Youssef Abdel Qader Rayan

My name is Youssef Abdel Qader Rayan. I am from Palestine and work as a programmer and website developer.

Nurtured in a loving family, I was born in Gharyan but grew up in Mizdah. I was always passionate about programming, so my family and I had to leave our home and our neighbors and move to Tripoli so that I could study programming. That's when the fate of an entire family was intertwined due to an individual decision. I was overwhelmed back then with fear and burden, yet, abandoning such a decision was out of the question; how could a Palestinian man like me, who is empowered by education, possibly give up for similar circumstances?

Initially, it was difficult; I had to leave home and wait a year to finish my college papers. As soon as the second semester ended and with support from my college professors, I started to work as a freelancer at the best local companies.

I faced different challenges while working, as I sometimes lost massive work projects and opportunities because I was not Libyan. Though based on my skills and experience rather than my identity card, I could join teams that provided endless support, made me feel I was home, and learned much from them.

He who is serious finds and walks the path has arrived; here I am; my family's sacrifices and mine did not go in vain. Now, I work at the most prominent company as a web designer and a systems analyst, and I still do my best to establish my own company here in Libya. Maintaining my Palestinian identity does not negate my deep affection for and sense of belonging to my beloved Libya. I will always feel indebted to Libya and make every effort to contribute to the nation in any way I can.