Alaa edine Kahouli 

Ghaith Hajji and Alla Eddine Kahouli, two youth leaders from the governorate of Sidi Bouzid with different disabilities, achieved something remarkable on the 25th of July, 2024, at the Bethoven Centre in Rgueb. Alla, who is visually impaired, and Ghaith, who has hearing and speech impairments, chose to support each other to complete a training session for youth within Sidi Bouzid, including those with disabilities. Their collaboration turned potential barriers into opportunities, creating an inclusive environment that emphasized the strength of teamwork, mutual support and skills transferring from the Youth leaders project bootcamp.
The journey began with Alla, whose visual impairment had never stopped him from pursuing his passion for teaching and empowering others. His deep knowledge of the training content, coupled with his strong verbal communication skills, made him a natural leader within the sessions. However, he faced a significant challenge: how could he ensure that his message reached participants who, like Ghaith, had hearing impairments?
Ghaith-another youth leader-, on the other hand, masters non-verbal communication. Despite his hearing and speech impairments, he excelled in sign language and had a remarkable ability to connect with others through gestures and expressions. He understood the content Alla was presenting but needed a way to communicate it effectively to the participants who relied on sign language.
Recognizing the potential of their combined skills, Ghaith and Alla decided to work together. Ala would deliver the training content verbally, while Ghaith would interpret the content using sign language. This collaboration and partnership was not just about accommodating each other’s disabilities; it was about enhancing the training experience for all participants.
On the day of the training, over 30 youth, including those with disabilities, gathered at the Bethoven Centre. The session was designed to be inclusive, ensuring that everyone could participate fully, regardless of their abilities. As Alla spoke, Ghaith stood beside him, translating his words into sign language. The synergy between them was great; they had found a rhythm that made the training both effective and engaging.
The training session was a success, not just because of the content delivered but because of the way it was delivered. The participants were actively engaged, asking questions, participating in discussions, and taking part in activities that reinforced the training’s objectives. Ghaith and Alla’s teamwork created a learning environment where everyone felt valued and included.
Behind the scenes, this success was also the result of careful planning and support. YALD played a crucial role in facilitating the collaboration between Ghaith and Alla, ensuring they had the resources and equipment needed to execute the training smoothly. Local stakeholders also contributed by providing essential tools like microphones, speakers, and visual aids, which made the training accessible to all.

The impact of this training session went beyond the immediate learning outcomes. It was a powerful demonstration of how individuals with different abilities can come together to overcome challenges and achieve common goals. Ghaith and Alla’s story inspired the young participants, showing them that their own challenges could be turned into strengths with the right mindset and support.
Their success also set a new standard for inclusivity at the Bethoven Centre. The training session proved that inclusivity is not just a concept but a practice that leads to meaningful and impactful results. The centre now plans to continue offering such inclusive training sessions, with Ghaith and Alla as role models and potential mentors for future trainers.
Ghaith Hajji and Alla Eddine Kahouli’s story is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of inclusivity. By choosing to support each other, they not only completed their training but also made a lasting impact on their community