The EJ-YMCA’s vision for Holistic Youth Development is based on a preferential option for the poor, the weak, and the marginalized with a commitment to human, social and national rights. The VTC responds directly to the needs of the local labor market as well as the needs of the socio-political situation in Palestine. The VTC highly supports youth post-graduate job-acquisition through its maintenance service center, which is committed to employing graduates through a technological application.

The EJ-YMCA VTC gives youth the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and market needs, and forward high-quality teaching through comprehensive and continuous teacher training and curricula development. This will lead graduates to be financially secure and independent, with active participation in the society. The demand-driven, high quality vocational training at the VTC, contributes to a knowledgeable, competent, motivated, entrepreneurial, adaptable, creative and innovative workforce in Palestine, contributing to poverty reduction, social and economic development. This complies with Sustainable Development Goals and the VTC’s mission in securing a better future considering the challenges youth at-risk face within the Palestinian society. These risks include: unemployment, political insecurities, high-rate of school dropout, domestic violence, lack of income generating opportunities for women and youth.

The VTC provides vocational training for over 140 young men and women every year from all over the West Bank. ‘Change a Life Campaign’ enables sponsors be part of YMCA’s mission by funding the education of these at-risk youth in order to transform them into skilled, active and independent citizens. The campaign will connect sponsors with students and graduates through a platform that enables sponsors to track the students’ achievements, and see their role in ‘CHANGING their LIFE’.