English for Freelancers trainer Lama Obeid tells us how digital skills have changed her life and career as a young woman.
Lama’s journey with the British Council began as a trainee, building her skills in English language teaching, university teaching and e-moderation. She later joined one of our training of trainers (ToT) courses, and is now a trainer herself, supporting aspiring freelancers to improve their English.
‘When I first participated in the English for Freelancers ToT training, it was something new being done for the first time in Palestine.
‘I was not sure if my trainees and I would be ready for this paradigm shift of working digitally and remotely. But now as four cohorts of students are ending their programme, the future of work in the digital space is becoming concrete in Palestine.
‘I am now a freelance trainer and writer, and being a freelancer has liberated me from the 9–5 schedule and empowered me by enabling me to set my own rates for the projects I am working on.’
Lama is hopeful that more women and girls will have the opportunity to access online learning and build digital skills in the future.
‘Providing free professional training and certifications in these skills can create exciting new opportunities for everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status.’
‘Having digital skills in the 21st century opens new doors in this time of technological revolution.’
Lama Obeid, freelance trainer, Occupied Palestinian Territories