From Constraint to Creation
Welcome to The Itchy Olive: Empowering Palestinians Through Knowledge and Connection
At The Itchy Olive, we believe in the power of technology, education, and community to overcome even the most challenging circumstances. These courses have been carefully designed to address the unique needs of Palestinians, whether in Gaza, the West Bank, or beyond. With compassion at the heart of our mission, we aim to provide practical tools and guidance for building resilience, independence, and brighter futures.
Our workshops are more than just learning experiences—they’re lifelines for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives, access opportunities, and connect with a global community. Each course reflects a commitment to understanding the specific obstacles faced by Palestinians, from banking restrictions to personal branding in a rapidly evolving digital world.
With small cohort sizes, personalized coaching, and accessible content tailored to varying internet capabilities, The Itchy Olive is here to guide you on your journey toward self-empowerment. Whether you’re striving to launch a remote career, create an online business, or establish your unique personal brand, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Application is now closed. Contact theitchyolive@gmail.com for waiting list.
Course 1: Unplugged But Employed
Description:
A specialized 8-week course designed to help Palestinians in Gaza and beyond gain remote work opportunities and build online businesses. This course addresses unique challenges such as banking, receiving payments, and rebuilding amidst destruction.
Format: Blended learning with public video lectures (low-bandwidth-friendly) and private WhatsApp group discussions.
Schedule: Fridays at 3 PM ~ 4 PM Cairo time (negotiable with the cohort). Starts 2025 January 10.
Target Audience: Displaced Palestinians in or from Gaza.
Coaches: Paul del Rosario, Dina Khaled, Soha Issa Leach, Salma Moguib, Abigail Moone, Maria Munoz, Deema Shahwan
YouTube lessons here:
الدورة الأولى: غير متصل ولكن موظف
الوصف:
دورة متخصصة مدتها 8 أسابيع تهدف إلى مساعدة الفلسطينيين في غزة وخارجها للحصول على فرص عمل عن بُعد وبناء أعمال تجارية عبر الإنترنت. تتناول هذه الدورة التحديات الفريدة مثل الخدمات المصرفية، استقبال الدفعات، وإعادة البناء في ظل الدمار.
التنسيق:
تعلم مختلط يتضمن محاضرات فيديو عامة مخصصة لسرعات الإنترنت المنخفضة، ومناقشات خاصة عبر مجموعات واتساب.
الجدول الزمني:
أيام الجمعة من الساعة 3:00 مساءً حتى 4:00 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة (قابل للتفاوض مع المجموعة).
تبدأ الدورة في 10 يناير 2025.
الفئة المستهدفة:
الفلسطينيون النازحون في غزة أو منها.
Course 2: Remote Ready: Empowering Careers for Remote Work
Description:
This 8-week course opens opportunities for Palestinians in the West Bank to learn the skills needed to secure remote work and create online businesses. Tailored to their unique circumstances, this program is a supportive space for learning and growth.
Format: Blended learning with public video lectures and private cohort discussions on Zoom and / or WhatsApp Call.
Schedule: Tentative: Every Wednesdays starting 2025 Jan 15 (3 PM ~ 4 PM Cairo Time)
Target Audience: Palestinians in the West Bank.
Coach: Paul del Rosario
YouTube lessons here:
الوصف:
دورة مدتها 8 أسابيع تهدف إلى فتح آفاق للفلسطينيين في الضفة الغربية لتعلم المهارات اللازمة للحصول على فرص عمل عن بُعد وإنشاء أعمال تجارية عبر الإنترنت. صُممت هذه الدورة لتناسب ظروفهم الفريدة، وتوفر بيئة داعمة للتعلم والنمو.
التنسيق:
تعلم مختلط يشمل محاضرات فيديو عامة ومناقشات خاصة للمجموعة عبر Zoom أو مكالمات واتساب.
الجدول الزمني:
مبدئيًا: كل يوم أربعاء بدءًا من 15 يناير 2025 (من الساعة 3:00 مساءً حتى 4:00 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة).
الفئة المستهدفة:
الفلسطينيون في الضفة الغربية.
Course 3: "ANOMALY" - Self-Branding Workshop
Description:
A workshop for individuals looking to define and promote their personal brand. Learn how to stand out in the job market or entrepreneurial space by creating a compelling, authentic self-brand.
Format: Interactive sessions with small cohort groups for personalized support.
Schedule: TBD. Participants who join this course, will be added to a separate WhatsApp group.
Target Audience: Open to all Palestinians.
Coach: Paul del Rosario
Lesson format: Live sessions on Google Meet - no Youtube for now.
Application is now closed. Please check back for future workshops.
الدورة الثالثة: "ANOMALY" - ورشة عمل لتطوير العلامة الشخصية
الوصف:
ورشة عمل للأفراد الذين يسعون إلى تحديد وترويج علامتهم الشخصية. تعلم كيفية التميز في سوق العمل أو عالم ريادة الأعمال من خلال إنشاء علامة شخصية قوية وأصيلة.
التنسيق:
جلسات تفاعلية مع مجموعات صغيرة للحصول على دعم شخصي.
الجدول الزمني:
سيُحدد لاحقًا. سيتم إضافة المشاركين في هذه الدورة إلى مجموعة واتساب منفصلة.
الفئة المستهدفة:
مفتوحة لجميع الفلسطينيين.
Anomaly-Based Personal Branding
Anomaly-based personal branding involves identifying and leveraging unique qualities or experiences that set you apart from the crowd. It's about finding your "anomaly" – the thing that makes you different, unusual, or unexpected. Go one step further and uncover the unique quirks and passions that make you truly stand out. By embracing your "anomaly," discover who you truly are and what you can be to create a more compelling and memorable personal brand. #leverageyourquirks #negative2positive
Workshop Staff
Paul del Rosario (Japan-based) - Coach
Dina Khaled (Egypt-based) - Coach
Soha Issa Leach (USA-based) - Coach
Abigail Moone (USA-based) - Coach
Salma Moguib (Egypt-based) - Coach
Maria Muñoz (Netherlands-based) - Coach
Deema Shahwan (From Gaza) - Coach
Abdulla El-Bohessi - Program Liaison
Majd Mousa - (From Gaza) Media Production
Phase II
What's next after the program? As The Itchy Olive is still in a developing phase, our ultimate goal is to assist participants in finding remote employment opportunities. IN PROGRESS
Participants must have access to the Internet, have a functioning level of English proficiency. Zoom sessions dates and times: TBA
For inquiries, drop us a line: theitchyolive@gmail.com
To apply, fill in Google Form: Application is now closed. Please check back for future workshops.
Future website under construction here. theitchyolive.org
The Itchy Olive Founder and Lead Coach - Paul del Rosario
Originally from San Francisco, CA, but currently based in Tokyo, Japan. Currently teaching at Hakuoh University, and Tokyo University of Foreign Studies in Japan. Past interests: photograpy, videography, entrepreneurship. Current interests: career development, branding, and motorcycle adventures.