Since 2011, we have been propelling Palestine’s digital economy and future technology leaders to transcend borders through cutting edge peer-led education and true grit.
Gaza Sky Geeks is a program of Mercy Corps, a US–registered 501(c)3 and EU-registered charity. Your donation is likely eligible for matching through your employer and maybe tax-deductible if you reside in the USA or EU.
OUR PROGRAMS
For Founders
Our incubation and acceleration programs help build successful startups and entrepreneurs that create sustainable value for customers and the community.
The flagship GeeXelerator program is for budding entrepreneurs who are passionate about a viable concept and ready to quickly get their prototypes off the ground, gain traction and begin pitching for seed investment.
For Freelancers
The Skylancer Academy upskills talented individuals across a variety of fields to succeed in entering the digital workforce.
The program will help build a solid foundation to start working as a freelancer immediately, teaching digital marketing fundamentals, how to navigate online market places as well as the professional skills that complement technical knowledge.
For Coders
The Code Academy provides intensive tech-education training, professional skills and job-readiness support for those looking to become professional coders and developers.
Open to any one who shows the commitment, motivation and potential to become a full-stack developer, irrespective of past experience and background.
OUR IMPACT
5
50
10
99
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AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate (SOA-C02) exam is intended for system administrators in a cloud operations role. The exam validates a candidate’s ability to deploy, manage, and operate workloads on AWS.

Who should take this exam?
AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate is a great starting point on the AWS Certification path for individuals who may have any of the following:
- • Experience working in a systems administrator role
- • Experience in AWS technology
- • Strong on-premises IT experience and understanding of mapping on-premises to cloud
- • Experience working in other cloud services
Exam Overview
Level: Associate
Length: 130 minutes to complete the exam
Format: 65 questions, either multiple choices or multiple responses.
Certificate Roadmap
-
2 Weeks
Complete Watching an online Course
-
1 Day
Application Stage
Fill out the application form completely and provide all the necessary information.
-
3 – 5 Days
Initial Screening Stage
After submitting your application, you will receive an invitation to a 20-minute online meeting with the GSG team. You will also receive a link to your first mock exam to assess your knowledge of the material.
-
1 Month
Premium Resources & Hands-On Experience
Trainees who pass the initial exam will be granted access to premium learning resources and labs for one month. This will allow them to apply what they have learned in a practical environment.
-
2 Days
Mock Exam Stage
Trainees will need to pass the final mock exam to become AWS certified.
-
3 – 5 Days
Official AWS Certficate.
Successful applicants will receive official AWS exam vouchers.
Got a question? No problem.
Feel free to contact the Program team for help and guidance via email at any time!

AWS Certified Developer – Associate showcases knowledge and understanding of core AWS services, uses, and basic AWS architecture best practices, and proficiency in developing, deploying, and debugging cloud-based applications by using AWS. Preparing for and attaining this certification gives certified individuals more confidence and credibility. Organizations with AWS Certified developers have the assurance of having the right talent to give them a competitive advantage and ensure stakeholder and customer satisfaction.

Who should take this exam?
AWS Certified Developer – Associate is a great starting point on the AWS Certification path for individuals who may have any of the following:
- • Experience working in a developer role with in-depth knowledge of at least one high-level programming language
- • Experience in AWS technology
- • Strong on-premises IT experience and understanding of mapping on-premises to cloud
- • Experience working in other cloud services
Exam Overview
Level: Associate
Length: 130 minutes to complete the exam
Format: 65 questions, either multiple choices or multiple responses.
Certificate Roadmap
-
2 Weeks
Complete Watching an online Course
-
1 Day
Application Stage
Fill out the application form completely and provide all the necessary information.
-
3 – 5 Days
Initial Screening Stage
After submitting your application, you will receive an invitation to a 20-minute online meeting with the GSG team. You will also receive a link to your first mock exam to assess your knowledge of the material.
-
1 Month
Premium Resources & Hands-On Experience
Trainees who pass the initial exam will be granted access to premium learning resources and labs for one month. This will allow them to apply what they have learned in a practical environment.
-
2 Days
Mock Exam Stage
Trainees will need to pass the final mock exam to become AWS certified.
-
3 – 5 Days
Official AWS Certficate.
Successful applicants will receive official AWS exam vouchers.
Got a question? No problem.
Feel free to contact the Program team for help and guidance via email at any time!
Gaza Sky Geeks Certification Program
The new Gaza Sky Geeks certification program offers you a unique opportunity to launch your career in tech. Our program provides access to a wide range of self-learning resources that have been carefully curated to enhance your skills and knowledge in various fields Moreover, our program offers you the chance to obtain official certificates from global companies and organizations, making your resume stand out in a competitive job market and propelling your career to new heights in the tech industry.
Official Certificates Providers
About Gaza Sky Geeks Certification Program
As Gaza Sky Geeks is committed to empowering young Palestinian tech talents to achieve their full potential and excel in their careers, we recognize that access to professional development and gaining specialization are crucial for these young talents to thrive. Our goal is to provide equal opportunities for all individuals to access the tools and resources they need to succeed in the tech industry. Thus, we have designed this program to provide access to aspiring tech talents to self-learning resources, enabling them to gain knowledge and skills in cutting-edge technologies and obtain a globally recognized certificate.
By joining this program, you will receive a structured self-paced curriculum that will prepare you well for the certification exams. Throughout the program, Gaza Sky Geeks will offer a combination of paid and free resources, along with full support for certification fees.
Join our community of learners and take the first step toward accelerating your career!
Offered Certificates

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate showcases knowledge and skills in AWS technology, across a wide range of AWS services. The focus of this certification is on the design of cost and performance optimized solutions, demonstrating a strong understanding of the AWS Well-Architected Framework. This certification can enhance the career profile and earnings of certified individuals and increase your credibility and confidence in stakeholder and customer interactions.

Who should take this exam?
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is a great starting point on the AWS Certification path for individuals who may have any of the following:
- • Experience in AWS technology.
- • Strong on-premises IT experience and understanding of mapping on-premises to cloud.
- • Experience working in other cloud services
Exam Overview
Level: Associate
Length: 130 minutes to complete the exam
Format: 65 questions, either multiple choices or multiple responses.
Certificate Roadmap
-
2 Weeks
Complete Watching an online Course
-
1 Day
Application Stage
Fill out the application form completely and provide all the necessary information.
-
3 – 5 Days
Initial Screening Stage
After submitting your application, you will receive an invitation to a 20-minute online meeting with the GSG team. You will also receive a link to your first mock exam to assess your knowledge of the material.
-
1 Month
Premium Resources & Hands-On Experience
Trainees who pass the initial exam will be granted access to premium learning resources and labs for one month. This will allow them to apply what they have learned in a practical environment.
-
2 Days
Mock Exam Stage
Trainees will need to pass the final mock exam to become AWS certified.
-
3 – 5 Days
Official AWS Certficate.
Successful applicants will receive official AWS exam vouchers.
Got a question? No problem.
Feel free to contact the Program team for help and guidance via email at any time!
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Our Training Activities
Gaza Sky Geeks is always running a large variety of programs and activities from 1 day workshops about translation to 6 months Start Up Acceleration tracks. You can find our programs throughout Palestine – we have dedicated training halls and venues in Gaza & Khanyounis, as well as partner venues in Jerusalem and cities in the West Bank from Nablus to Al Khalil.
This Year
In the table below, you can see all the training activities we have run or are planning to run in 2022 – some of the exact details (dates, number of participants) of the training are approximate and liable to change.
If you are interested in connecting with us to run a training for your company or in hiring graduates of our trainings, please reach out at: [email protected]
Freelancing For Professionals
Our freelance training is designed to teach a broad spectrum of talents how to become successful online freelancers. Through sessions focused on building a competitive online freelancing profile, social media marketing, and networking, the program is applicable to a wide range of skills, such as web development, graphic design or translation, and many more!
Life-Changing & Empowering
After graduating from university, I ended up doing boring jobs completely unrelated to my major. After joining the first cohort of Freelance Training in Hebron city, I found myself receiving multiple job offers across various freelancing platforms, and quit my full-time job!
Ashjan Tamimi
Freelance translator
I don’t settle for any project that comes my way, and I always encourage myself to follow the path of self-learning by accepting projects that push me to develop and grow. I’ve always read the success stories on GSG pages, and now I’m one!
Bahaa AlKhatib
Android developer
Freelance Academy Overview
Freelance Academy is a 3 month mentorship program designed to teach a broad spectrum of talents how to become successful online freelancers. Through sessions focusing on building a competitive online freelancing profile, social media marketing, and networking, the program is applicable to a wide range of skills: web development, graphic design, translation, social media, mobile development, and front-end development.
Impact
34
2225
61
30,000
97
3,500,000
Benefits of joining the Freelance Programs
In addition to the training received and to start working online quickly, participants will be able to enjoy the benefits of our partnership with Upwork.
We help set-up accounts on both platforms, with free promo-codes and special access, that will help kick-off the freelancing journey, win that all-important first client and securely withdraw funds earned digitally.
We welcome all graduates into our community of alumni where they will find a group of like-minded individuals.
They continue to have access to career counseling sessions, mentorship, a host of events and activities, wide variety of resources and online courses as well as a broad community of local and international developers, designers and talent.
Course Contents

Eligibility Criteria
Upper-Intermediate Spoken English skills
Ability to understand and speak English at least at an intermediate level is a must. Participants must have the needed English skills to allow them to communicate with clients from all over the world, which opens the door for them to secure a wide range of gigs.
Full-time commitment
Despite the fact that the freelance academy sessions are held for 3 hours a day, 3 days a week, participants must be fully available for three months — the training period. Full availability is crucial as it is key to committing to any assigned session schedule, completing tasks and assignments, attending networking events and other activities, as well as applying for gigs or working on projects when they start to land freelancing jobs during the training period.
Technical skills required
Participants should have some previous work experience or a portfolio to showcase their skills and abilities as the program focus is to digitize and market existing skills. It also helps convince clients that they can successfully deliver on assignments secured online, for example:
Freelance Academy
The full freelance training, our 3 month mentorship program.
Application for this cohort closed
Freelance Club
A short, 7 week freelancing club for people interested in freelancing but not ready to commit to the full course
Our next freelance club will begin in summer 2022 – check back soon!
Freelance Bootcamps
We hold short boot camps to help Freelancers get a kick start on online freelancing platforms
Our 2022 bootcamp is now finished! Check back next year for 2023!
Freelance For Academics
Our freelancing course adapted for people working in academia.
Applications opening later this year
Still have unanswered questions or thoughts you would like to share? Reach out to us using this form

AWS re/Start and Gaza Sky Geeks have teamed up to offer a cloud computing training program to help interested people to kick start their careers in cloud computing.
The program is geared toward both employees and underemployed individuals looking for entry-level cloud jobs.
No previous technical experience is required.
re/Start Program Overview
AWS re/Start is a tuition-free, full-time skills development 12-week program that will help you develop in-demand cloud skills.
You will gain the skills you need for an entry-level cloud role through scenario-based learning, hands-on labs, and coursework. To prepare for job interviews in this field, you will also focus on professional skills such as adaptive communication, time management, resume building, and interviewing during the program.
With free access to practice and exams, you will learn cloud computing skills and prepare for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification. After you graduate, Gaza Sky Geeks will connect you with employers and assist you in settling into your new job.
What you will learn from re/Start Program
Through hands-on interactive sessions, you’ll learn technical, behavioral and mindset skills to prepare you to launch a career in the cloud.
Technical skills
– How cloud computing works
– AWS Cloud skills
– How to use different programing languages
– Build skills aligned with AWS Certification
– you’ll prepare for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification.
Behavior & Mindset skills
– Effective communication
– Problem solving
– Teamwork
– Time management
Course Content
Eligibility Criteria
- ● Full-time Commitment to attend the training (Sunday to Thursday 9 AM to 5:00 PM) for the 12 weeks
- ● Ability to start a full-time job after course completion
- ● A real interest to begin a career in cloud computing
- ● Previous experience in the field or coding is NOT required
What your journey to the cloud will look like
Join the AWS re/Start program
and launch your cloud career!
Got a question? No problem.
Feel free to contact the Program team for help and guidance via email at any time!

AWS re/Start and Gaza Sky Geeks have teamed up to offer a cloud computing training program to help interested people to kick start their careers in cloud computing.
The program is geared toward both employees and underemployed individuals looking for entry-level cloud jobs.
No previous technical experience is required.
re/Start Program Overview
AWS re/Start is a tuition-free, full-time skills development 12-week program that will help you develop in-demand cloud skills.
You will gain the skills you need for an entry-level cloud role through scenario-based learning, hands-on labs, and coursework. To prepare for job interviews in this field, you will also focus on professional skills such as adaptive communication, time management, resume building, and interviewing during the program.
With free access to practice and exams, you will learn cloud computing skills and prepare for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification. After you graduate, Gaza Sky Geeks will connect you with employers and assist you in settling into your new job.
What you will learn from re/Start Program
Through hands-on interactive sessions, you’ll learn technical, behavioral and mindset skills to prepare you to launch a career in the cloud.
Technical skills
– How cloud computing works
– AWS Cloud skills
– How to use different programing languages
– Build skills aligned with AWS Certification
– you’ll prepare for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification.
Behavior & Mindset skills
– Effective communication
– Problem solving
– Teamwork
– Time management
Course Content
Eligibility Criteria
- ● Full-time Commitment to attend the training (Sunday to Thursday 9 AM to 5:00 PM) for the 12 weeks
- ● Ability to start a full-time job after course completion
- ● A real interest to begin a career in cloud computing
- ● Previous experience in the field or coding is NOT required
What your journey to the cloud will look like
Join the AWS re/Start program
and launch your cloud career!
Got a question? No problem.
Feel free to contact the Program team for help and guidance via email at any time!
Gaza Sky Geeks: Freelance Academy
Jerusalem
Learning knows no boundaries, it can be done anywhere, at any time.
By popular demand, we now bring the highly successful training “Freelance Academy” to Jerusalem – in partnership with Station J
What started as an entrepreneurship initiative in Gaza over a decade ago has since then become a Palestine-wide movement with success stories trailing across the entire Gaza Strip, Khalil, and Nablus in the West Bank. Now Gaza Sky Geeks is extending the Freelance Academy to Jerusalem, uniting Palestinians through digital work. With the mantra of embracing digital, remote work, Gaza Sky Geeks is aiming to provide talented and skilled youth with all the tools they need to start freelancing and effectively making the entire world their workplace.
Make the world your workplace
GSG is the leading tech hub in Gaza, providing a safe space for eager tech talent and entrepreneurs to get together to exchange ideas, learn and grow. Consisting of three core programs, the Freelance Academy is GSG’s most diverse initiative. The main focus is on training talented youth how to market their skills and services, and how to establish their online brand using freelancing platforms or social media.
Whether affected by the scarce amount of job opportunities present in the traditional job markets, or you are looking to supplement your income or switch to a digital career path as a freelancer, the Freelance Academy aims to give participants the tools and abilities to create a new source of income through online work. Through dedicated training, participants will increase their knowledge and communication skills, enabling them to attract and work with clients from all over the world – in the comfort of their homes.
Does this sound like something for you?
Applications for the Freelance Academy’s training opens on 15th September. Apply before the 15th of October 2021 and join the group of like-minded professionals as the course kicks off in November 2021.
About the Freelance Academy
Freelance Academy is a 15-week mentorship program designed to teach a broad spectrum of talents how to become successful online freelancers. Through sessions focusing on building a competitive online freelancing profile, social media marketing, and networking, the program is applicable to a wide range of skills: web development, graphic design, translation, social media, mobile development, and front-end development.
Life-Changing & Empowering
After graduating from university, I ended up doing boring jobs completely unrelated to my major in English, because of the challenging economical situation in the West Bank. I always felt a mix of curiosity and doubt towards the world of freelancing – probably due to my poor knowledge of it. Luckily the fears disappeared within weeks of joining the first cohort of Freelance Training organised by GSG in Hebron city. I found myself receiving multiple job offers across various freelancing platforms, and therefore decided to quit my full time job.
Ashjan Tamimi
Freelance translator
I don’t settle for any project that comes my way, and I always encourage myself to follow the path of self-learning through accepting projects that push me to develop and grow. This also includes taking advantage of this time of unease due to Covid-19 to spend more time at home learning and working on projects. I am finally able to pay it forward and mentor the next technical training cohort.
I’ve always read the success stories on GSG pages, but now I’m one!
Bahaa AlKhatib
Android developer
Course Contents

Eligibility Criteria
1 Upper-Intermediate Spoken English skills
Ability to understand and speak English at least at an intermediate level is a must. Participants must have the needed English skills to allow them to communicate with clients from all over the world, which opens the door for them to secure a wide range of gigs.
2 Full-time commitment
Despite the fact that the freelance academy sessions are held for 3 hours a day, 3 days a week, participants must be fully available for three months — the training period. Full availability is crucial as it is key to committing to any assigned session schedule, completing tasks and assignments, attending networking events and other activities, as well as applying for gigs or working on projects when they start to land freelancing jobs during the training period.
3 Technical skills required
Proficiency in at least one of the following fields:
Station J
Station J is an entrepreneurial hub and innovative business incubator in Jerusalem. We aim to build a supportive innovative ecosystem that seeks to offer Palestinian youth a dynamic, diverse and vibrant entrepreneurial community; through our diversified co-working spaces, skills-building trainings, and youth empowering programs. As well as creating a network of entrepreneurs to exchange knowledge, expertise, and skills.
Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps works to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities. In more than 40 countries around the world, our nearly 6,000 team members work side by side with people living through poverty, disaster, violent conflict and the acute impacts of climate change. We’re committed to creating global change through local impact.
Gaza Sky Geeks
Gaza Sky Geeks is a Mercy Corps programme co-funded by Google For Startups. Since its launch in 2011 Gaza Sky Geeks has become a key pillar in the Palestinian tech ecosystem. Through the delivery of three core programmes – startup, freelancing and coding – Gaza Sky Geeks aims to empower tech and entrepreneurial talent to kickstart the digital economy in Palestine.
This is the chance to change your career path
Impact
26
1258
59
30,000
97
3,500,000
Still have unanswered questions or thoughts you would like to share? Reach out to us using this form
By providing the most needed services and support, GazaSkyGeeks works since 2015 to assist Palestinian entrepreneurs in building sustainable and profitable startups and maximizing the positive impact on their communities throughout the Startup program.
Applications for Startup program 2023 are now open
Our Accelerator in Numbers
We will let Numbers speak for themselves
7
60
700$
39
Startup Program Overview
The Startup Program is an intensive 8-month venture building program that focuses on digitalizing the services and business models across big market industries in Palestine.
Throughout the program, teams are expected to make progress toward their market, product, team, and financial management goals. They also need to prove that they are progressing on their own with the support of the Gaza Sky Geeks’ team.
Furthermore, the teams must work hard to demonstrate how the financial grant will benefit their startups to achieve the desired results. For example, Profits to cover the company’s costs, a clear increase in the number of customers, clearly presenting the product, and a return customer percentage of at least 30%
What Support Can You Get When Joining the Program?
- ● UP TO $20K grants and cash prizes for up to 8 startup
- ● Regular sessions on startups and business topics
- ● Access to perks and resources including AWS
- ● 1:1 mentorship and coaching Commitment
Meet our team
Qualifying for the Startup Program 2022
Tech-Enabled Startups
Companies/startups with ready products whether they made a traction or not has a team (2-5 team members) with at least one technical and one business founders.
Team
highly motivated and proactive self-learners that are willing to adapt, be flexible, and learn quickly with at least 2 years of professional experience related to the sector/market of their product.
Commitment
willing and able to commit 15 hours/week of time and energy
Application
Fill out the entire application and be as detailed as possible in your responses.
Which Teams selected to join the program?
What Do Our Alumni Say About Their Experience?
”The Startup program is one of the most important programs that affected me greatly throughout my ten years work experience.
Ezz Aldin AlakhrasFounder of Torood startup
Startup Program FAQ
WHAT IS THE STARTUP PROGRAM?
The startup program is an intensive 8-month tech-venture building program that focuses on building and launching services across select big market industries in Palestine.
What are the benefits of joining the Startup program ?
- Regular sessions on startups and business topics
- Up to $20K grants and cash prizes for up to 8 startup
- Access to Perks and Resources incl AWS, Heroku, etc
- 1:1 mentorship and coaching
How will teams accelerate their progress and continue working on their companies/startups?
- Teams will receive a tailored 1:1 mentorship and coaching via interactions with GSG staff, local mentors, and visiting and remote international mentors.
- Teams will have access to Perks and Resources incl AWS, Heroku, etc
- Teams who will join the program will receive a grant and prizes up to $20K for marketing their products and services.
How much grant or stipend money will teams be eligible for and what are the eligibility requirements?
- Up to 8 teams will have the access to get a grant of $20K after completing the 2nd phase of the program. Teams use the grant money to develop their products and spend on marketing and other expenses
- The GSG organizing team will determine which 8 teams will receive the grant.
How is the Startup program 2022 different from the previous programs?
- In the past, we held a one week series of learnings through workshops, mentoring, hacking, and pitching to educate our startups on the stages of startups and help them through the process. This year, we provide a series of workshops over several weeks (one workshop every week) and ask teams to submit deliverables at the end of each week.
- We will focus this year on the startups/companies that are targeting Palestine or external markets. Our goal for your team at the end of the Startup program is to have a functional product online that customers use and accelerate your progress and help you in getting attraction and make your company a profitable one.
How many teams will you accept for the startup program?
We expect to select up to 25 teams to start in the Startup program 1st phase, and only up to 8 will progress to further phases in the program. GSG has full discretion over the number of teams selected.
What is required of my team once we are selected?
Every cofounder should be willing and able to commit 10-15 hours/week of time and energy to reaching out to customers, launching a fully usable product with main functional features, and solving a real problem in the targeted market. We are also looking for people who are prepared to contribute to the community of teams in the startup program by committing to attending the online workshops twice a week, using our mentorship network and connections to your fullest benefit, engaging in GSG’s programming activities, and actively sharing and learning with other founders in the program. We expect that you all join the program with an open mind and great attitude ready to learn, improve and launch your product and get attraction.
Can I be removed from the startup/companies program?
Yes. GSG’s time and resources are very limited, just like yours. We cannot afford to waste resources on teams that are not committed to make great progress, as it also takes time and resources away from the more committed teams. We will ask you to sign several agreements if you are accepted to GSG Startup program that outline our expectations and grounds for expulsion from Startup program(for example, missing meetings with mentors, failing to present deliverables or commitment milestones, etc.).
Are there specific sectors or markets startups/companies should target?
We are interested in startups/companies that are serving the palestinian market and/or regional markets, as well as companies/startups who have the potential to scale (e.g. reach hundreds of thousands, if not millions of customers). There should be potential to target large markets in the MENA Region or around the world. However, your product should also be able to be launched here in Gaza/West Bank. For example, because of the limitations on travel, it is very hard for Gazan teams to launch a product serving customers in the US or Europe because of the difficulties in talking with customers and lack of familiarity with the markets. You should first focus on customer segments and specific markets where you can actually pick up the phone to talk with or meet in person with your first users. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to know what your users really want.
What kinds of teams are you looking for?
We are looking for financially independent founders. You are willing to adapt and be flexible, and learn quickly. You are outgoing and not afraid to cold call users and accept tough feedback about your product. You are passionate about your product, and have a clear vision of a problem you are trying to solve—ideally one you have faced yourself. You are a technical software developer, or are partnering with one who will help you get your prototype off the ground. You ideally have professional work experience.
What kind of teams are you not looking for?
We unfortunately cannot commit to accelerating hardware companies at this time. We can only focus on web and mobile software/application companies.
How many people can be on my team?
Teams are two to five members and are all founder-level participants. If you have other people working on the project (interns, etc.), that is okay.
Do you provide any space for startups at your co-working space?
This program allows for people to work from their homes or somewhere other than GSG co-working space in Gaza and WB. However, we have a limited number of seats reserved for startups in our co-working space in Gaza . These are on a first served basis. If you want to work from here, you need to coordinate with the community team in GSG and let them know your plans. However, we cannot guarantee office space for individuals participating in the program.
Startup Program
Applications for Startup program 2023 are now open
Apply NowApplication for this cohort open
Got a question? No problem.
Feel free to contact the Startup Program team for help and guidance via email at any time!
Thank You

Naiane Ribeiro
Co-founder of re:Start Association, currently focused on career guidance and support system. Aligning proposed products/services with the educational market, and actual technical needs.
Language: English

Ahmed Adel
A Senior Software Engineer at Zendesk since November 2019. He is experienced with mobile development especially in Android. He worked before in well-known and fine startups in Egypt.
Language: Arabic

Steve Lewis
He has been working in the software development field since the early 1970’s. His specialties were simulation, and respiratory control. He can help with with Java, C#, Databases, development, Pitch decks.
Language: English

Mostafa Ali Mansour
A software development engineer at Amazon. He loves Blockchain, Cloud Computing and Quantum Computing. He works on: Java, Javascript, and many more. He likes philosophy, minions and psychology.
Language: Arabic

Doaa Ghandour
A game developer and co-founder at Afkar startup. She worked as a developer in many places then became an entrepreneur. She was a member at the winner team in “Hack The Crisis Palestine” Hackathon.
Language: Arabic

Ahmed El Zoughby
Ahmed is a Design Labs Mentor & Facilitator at Google for Startups. He works on both design and technology with deep focus on Emerging Tech, Internet of Things Solutions and Consumer Electronics Products.
Language: Arabic

Yusuf Saib
He managed offshore resources and delivered outstanding results at leading Silicon Valley corporations. With extensive experience in technical leadership on mobile, web and server platforms.
Language: Arabic

Nourhan Fooda
Computer engineer with practical experience in software development, data science, electronics, project management, and tutoring. She is your mentor when it comes to data science, analysis and a cool presentation design
Language: Arabic

Sabrin AlKabariti
A Graphic designer and specialist on UX/UI design. She has experience on entrepreneurship as she worked with many startups, recently with Olivery. She has worked with educational teams.
Language: Arabic

Ahmad khateeb
A software engineer working on great projects for big clients. A persistent well to develop and learn. Sport man, a writer and very social. On love with any voluntary events related to technology.
Language: Arabic

Salsabeel Basheer Alhams
Hult prize as a competitor for two years and contributed with created the first equipment company in Gaza. Future Engineers and a youth empowerment team leader.
Language: Arabic

Majd Khalifeh
Co-founder and CEO at Flow Accelerator: A business development expert with 16 experience in investment management, business & financial planning, portfolio & wealth advisory, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Language: Arabic

Brad Watson
Brad works at Zane Ventures Fund as a product manager directly with Zane executive management team to support Zane’s three branches as well as a product management instructor at Code for Palestine at Palestine Telecommunications Group.
Language: English

Yahya Hazem
A product manager working at mawdoo3 company for the past 6 years such as content, e-learning, and SAAS softwires. Can help with suitable technologies for the product, pricing and business model building project strategies.
Language: Arabic

Daniel Ludwig
A Trainer, Leadership Coach & Social Entrepreneur. He specialized in Team and Self-Leadership coaching, Design Thinking and Team communication strength training. As a certified Professional Scrum Master PSM I and Scrum Product.
Language: English

Alaa Alshurafa
The Co-Founder of FulApp House Cleaning Services. Has got an experience in developing managerial solutions and procedures through conducting research and leading services companies in telecommunications and education.
Language: Arabic

Hazem Tirhi
The Executive Director of Station J. He worked in Jawwal for 5 years on different positions in marketing, project management, data analysis, strategic projects regarding VPN, cell-based calls, and Siebel CRM system implementation.
Language: Arabic

Ahmad Alnajjar
A senior management professional with experience in driving operational efficiency by implementing and managing the art systems, infrastructure, information security parameters and complex projects across IT consulting and healthcare.
Language: Arabic

Daoud Ghannam
The founder and CEO of uMake. He has started uMake after working in the IT sector in Palestine to create a space for entrepreneurs to grow. He has founded a pre-seed acceleration program, to help Palestinian founders launch tech startups.
Language: Arabic

Lana Murad
A senior management consultant who has established excellent frameworks, spearhead strategic marketing communications, & brand positioning. Also, mobilized projects & teams, and launching new products and Design thinking.
Language: Arabic

Suzan Maki
Experienced Human Resources Manager with a demonstrated history of working in different industries. Highly experienced in talent acquisition , HR policy formulation, planning, budgeting & performance management.
Language: Arabic

Anni Rowland-Campbell
The director of Intersticia UK, Anni has worked with the Web Science Trust as an Advisor and Trustee helping to develop Web Science. She was appointed a Non-Executive Director of the Social Change Agency UK and Founders and Coders UK
Language: English

Omar Jabari
The chairman of the Kellogg Palestine Alumni Club and chapter President for MELA. He established his own consulting company that helps companies in developing their processes, developing policies (HR, admin, Financial), and building KPI.
Language: Arabic

Rana Mohammad Nofal
A Head of Programming & Data Department at MOH, and a Lecturer at Al-Quds Open University in Palestine. She was trained and hosted at LinkedIn. She is an active member at several societies that globally support women in technology.
Language: Arabic

Nozhat Choudry
A senior executive in pharmaceutical in clinical drug and device development from entry to regulatory approval and post marketing. She helps with project management, beta site testing, product launch, trial design and management.
Language: English

Amrit Dhir
The Director of Partnerships at Recidiviz. He builds up the business, sales, and operations teams for innovative products at Sidewalk Labs, Google for Startups, Google Research and AI, X, and Verily. Originally from Los Angeles.
Language: English

Nouran Ghannam
The founder and CEO of Stllr, matching vetted marketing Experts & generates teams for companies through quality talent in SEO, performance ads, or copywriters & graphic designers. She mentors startups on marketing.
Language: Arabic

Hala Hattab
Associate Professor in Entrepreneurship at the British University and trainer in Egypt. An active researcher and published several researches, articles, reports and presented her research in national and international conferences.
Language: Arabic

Lamiaa Salah Ismeal
Founder of TamaKani, which aims to support women in upper Egypt by providing professional and personal development training and also the personal skills to help them with communication, adaptability, and work ethics.
Language: Arabic

Ahmed Nagy Elaghoury
Founder and CEO of businostics that specializes in management consultancy, training entrepreneurs, supporting innovation, transferring technology, and linking between education, scientific research and market.
Language: Arabic

Zeyad Hesham
An electrical engineer who loves building and scaling technology businesses. He helps startups with hackathons, competitions, business development, strategic partnerships, and data-driven business initiatives in Egypt and MENA.
Language: Arabic
Amr Mahmoud Ghannam
A professional trainer IECD – Institut Européen de Coopération et de Développement. He is a professional trainer and have undertaken 3 different positions (Trainer, Coach and Mentor) with organizations like flat6labs, and IL.
Language: Arabic

Saif Ahmed
The co-founder and CPO of WideBot, and a maintainer of WideBot platform, The First Arabic-Focused Bot Builder Platform. He is also the founder of Azkarbot one of the most growing chatbots on Facebook messenger. He focuses on empowering businesses.
Language: Arabic

Amr Hanafy
The Entrepreneur in Residence for the largest entrepreneurship summit in MENA region RiseUp. He advises startups on pitching skills and Innovation. He is a founding member of a couple of startups like Mezany and StarterHub.
Language: Arabic

Ashraf Zeitoon
Advisor of the leading Global & Regional Technology & Entertainment corporations. Ashraf was the first director of Public Policy for the Middle East, Turkey & Africa at Netflix Inc, and he established the Public Policy Function.
Language: Arabic
Farouq Hassan
The co-founder before Zaytona fashion, Egypreonics, and Startup Grind Cairo chapter. He is interested in entrepreneurship and business. He delivered more than 40 workshops for +3000 students on different business topics.
Language: Arabic

Hassan Ali
Entrepreneur in RiseUp. Hassan works with the some of the region’s Incubator (AUC Venture Lab, MINT Incubator, GIZ FinTech Academy) to help FinTech entrepreneurs. He is a founding member of Mezany tech and StarterHub.
Language: Arabic

Amr Hussain
Entrepreneur in Residence for the largest entrepreneurship summit in MENA region RiseUp. He advises startups on pitching skills and Innovation and is a founding member of startups like Mezany and StarterHub.
Language: Arabic

Eslam el Khateeb
He runs his own startup HLPR, and was successful in developing from Marketing executive in TE Data to the Marketing Manager of a rising group of restaurants in KSA. He also consults more startups around MENA to launch, grow and scale.
Language: Arabic

Mahmoud Mohamed Shalaby
Financial accountant and business valuation specialist with experience in preparing financial statements, budget analysis, financial audit, banking operations, Project management and financial reporting & statements.
Language: Arabic

Alyaa Abushaban
Have background in industrial engineering and experience in educational management and high skills in problem solving and critical thinking. She is one of the founders of the first marketplace housekeeping services startup.
Language: Arabic

Osama Bilal
He has a background in business administration and management, he has about 2 years of product management and market research experience in B2B and B2C fields. He can help with Product management and UX research.
Language: Arabic

Doaa Abulaila
An entrepreneur, Co-founder of FUL APP startup, pharmacist and a mother. Business mentor at BanatGeeks camp and technovation for girls competition 2020-2021. Can help you with marketing strategy, pitching, etc.
Language: Arabic

Naiane Ribeiro
Co-founder of re:Start Association, currently focused on career guidance and support system. Aligning proposed products/services with the educational market, and actual technical needs.
Language: English

Hala Hattab
Associate Professor in Entrepreneurship at the British University and trainer in Egypt. An active researcher and published several researches, articles, reports and presented her research in national and international conferences.
Language: Arabic

Waseem Alkelani
A full-time English Language teacher in a public school. Part-time lecturer at both the Islamic University of Gaza and The University College of Applied Sciences. With experience in teaching English.
Language: Arabic

Hanin Elholy
Expert teacher, professional translator and content writer with a master degree of linguistics and translation. She can help you to reflect on the reality of education in Palestine in general and Gaza in particular.
Language: Arabic

Ahmed Elqattawi
An advocate of social policy, youth empowerment, education and international development. He practiced business English communication teaching and soft skills coaching in GazaSkyGeeks, and GGateway.
Language: Arabic

هاكاثون جيل طليق
الافتراضي
أكتوبر 21-24، 2021
ينظم برنامج غزة سكاي جيكس - أحد برامج الميرسي كور- أكبر "هاكاثون" افتراضي في فلسطين بالشراكة مع منظمة اليونيسف العالمية. وسيجمع هذا "الهاكاثون" حوالي 1500 فلسطينيا من جميع أنحاء فلسطين لخلق حلول مبتكرة للتحديات في قطاع التعليم.
أرقام الهاكاثون
183
750
1586

ما هو هاكاثون" جيل طليق"؟
نؤمن في غزة سكاي جيكس وفي اليونيسف بأن قدرات الشباب مفعمة بالإبداع وأننا أمام جيل طليق قادر على صنع التغيير في جميع أنحاء العالم وعلى الخروج بحلول لأبرز المشاكل التي نواجهها في العالم.
سينضم حوالي 1500 شاب وشابة إلى الهاكاثون الذي سوف يستمر لأربعة أيام وهي فرصة للتعلم والتطور والمنافسة، احجز مكانك بين الفرق الفائزة.
سيحصل الفائزون على 8 أسابيع احتضان في مسرّعة أعمال غزة سكاي جيكس، كما سيتم دعمهم مالياً بقيمة 20 ألف دولار مقسمة على الفرق الفائزة لإطلاق مشاريعهم في السوق كحل لتحديات التعليم.
سيتمكن المشاركون في الهاكاثون من اكتساب المهارات والمعلومات اللازمة لتكوين مهارات تفكير شاملة حول ريادة الأعمال، وكيفية بناء فريق عمل، وبناء فكرة شركة ناشئة جاهزة للإطلاق والتنفيذ على أرض الواقع.
هذه تجربة افتراضية فريدة من نوعها ستمكّن الشباب في جميع أنحاء فلسطين، من مشاركة الشغف للتغيير الاجتماعي وحلول تحديات الأعمال، وسيتم تنظيم هاكاثون بمساعدة كبيرة ودعم من مدربين متخصصين، ومؤسسي الشركات الناشئة الناجحين، والمشرفين المؤهلين من جميع أنحاء العالم.
الفائزين في الهاكاثون
English Club
تطبيقاً تعليم اللغة الإنجليزية للأطفال يوفر للطلاب تدريبات تفاعلية ومتميزة على أساس المنهج الدراسي الفلسطيني.
From zero to hero
هذا الفريق يقدم خيارات تعليمية مبتكرة عبر تطبيق الويب الخاص به لمرضى الشلل الدماغي ومتلازمة داون التي تساعدهم على الاندماج بشكل أفضل في المجتمع.
I Can Read
“I can read” هو منهج صوتي يساعد الأطفال بعمر 5-10 سنوات التغلب على صعوبات القراءة باللغة الإنجليزية، والتي يتم تقديمها من خلال المواد الصوتية والتعليمية المتنوعة. برأي الفريق المنهج الفلسطيني يركز بشكل أساسي على حفظ شكل الكلمات بدلاً من بناءها.
التغيير للأفضل
تطبيق قائم على التحليل النفسي لرسومات الأطفال، حيث يقوم التطبيق بتحليل عناصر الرسم نفسيا. ويدعم التحليل مواد نظرية ورسوم توضيحية يمكن أن تساعد على توجيه الآباء والمعلمين.
CodeLand
CODE LAND هي عبارة عن منصة تفاعلية عبر الإنترنت تتيح لخريجي التكنولوجيا الحصول على مهارات البرمجة والتطوير المتخصصة من خلال اتباع خطة واضحة قائمة على المكافآت المهنية والتي تضمن دخولهم إلى سوق العمل كمطورين مستقلين أكفاء ومهنيين.
Learn & code
تطبيق ” تعلم وبرمج” يستهدف طلاب المرحلة الإعدادية ويحتوي على دورات برمجية مجانية وأخرى مدفوعة كلها صممت لتكون ممتعة ومثيرة لإهتمام الطلاب لتمكنهم من فهم البرمجة بشكل أسهل.
My Stuff
يعمل التطبيق كحلقة وصل بين الطلاب الذين يبحثون عن كتب ومستلزمات الدراسة وأولئك الذين لديهم فائض من هذه اللوازم مستعملة بحالة جيدة، قد يكونوا من الخريجين أو الطلاب، يوفر التطبيق بيئة اتصال آمنة وسرية وموثوقة ، بالإضافة إلى الطلب عبر الإنترنت والتعبئة والتسليم من الباب إلى الباب حيث تم تصميمه لتسهيل التواصل بين طلاب الجامعة.
كيف يمكنك أن تستعد للمشاركة؟
قم بالبحث في أهم التحديات التي يعاني منها قطاع التعليم في فلسطين
ستجد في الكتيب الذي أعددناه ملخص لمجموعة من المشاكل والتحديات الموجودة بالإضافة إلى مصادر تساعدك للإلمام بالوضع الحالي للتعليم في فلسطين.
موضوع الهاكاثون
تحديات قطاع التعليم في فلسطين
يهدف الهاكاثون لتمكين الشباب الفلسطيني في بناء حلول رقمية وغير رقمية للتحديات التي يعاني منها قطاع التعليم في جميع أنحاء فلسطين خصوصاً خلال فترة وباء كورونا
جوائز الهاكاثون
الجائزة مقدمة من قبل اليونيسف لتقسم على الفرق الفائزة من خلال إعطاءهم فرصة احتضان وتسريع تقودها غزة سكاي جيكس
20,000
معايير التحكييم
مدى فاعلية
الفكرة
هل الحل المقترح يقوم بحل مشكلة حقيقة؟ وهل الحل قابل للتطوير والتنفيذ؟ وهل تعتقد أن لها مستقبل؟
الإبداع
والإبتكار
ما مدى إبداع المجموعة في حل التحدي؟ هل توصلوا إلى حل مبتكر وإبداعي، أم أنهم اتبعوا حل تقليدي؟
جدوى
التنفيذ
هل الفريق كفء وقادر على بناء الحل؟ وهل الحل قابل للتنفيذ؟ أم غير قادرين على استغلال الوقت والمصادر؟ وهل مهارات الفريق مناسبة؟
استخدام الأموال
والخطط المستقبلية
هل يمتلك الفريق خطة مستقبلية واضحة؟ هل يعرفون أفضل الممارسات لاستخدام المال؟ هل يمكنهم تحقيقها؟
العرض
الختامي
هل العرض الختامي للمشروع يحتوي على كل الجزئيات المهم تغطيتها؟ هل ينقل الفكرة الأساسية للحل التقني أو الغير تقني؟
النموذج الاولى
للفكرة
هل النموذج الأولى للفكرة ينقل الفكرة من المنتج ؟ هل النموذج قابل للتطبيق ؟ هل النموذج ابداعي و فريد ؟
لجنة التحكيم

داوود غنام
المؤسس والمدير التنفيذي لuMake

مجد خليفة
مؤسس مشارك ومدير تنفيذي في Flow Accelerator

حسين مهدي
مسؤول برنامج أكاديمية Startup

إبتسام ابو شمالة
المسؤولة عن قسم التعليم في اليونسيف – غزة
مرشدين الهاكاثون
احصل على فرصة للحصول على تعليقات من أفضل المرشدين
فريق الهاكاثون
تعرف على الفريق القائم على تنظيم الهاكاثون
أجندة الهاكاثون
سنقوم بتحديث هذا الجدول الزمني مع ورش العمل. ترقبوا الإعلانات المستقبلية.
اليوم الأول
يوم توليد الأفكار
اليوم الثاني
يوم تشكيل الفرق
اليوم الثالث
العمل على الأفكار
اليوم الرابع
يوم التحكيم
سجل الآن
كن جزءاً من تغيير المشهد الفلسطيني في قطاع التعليم - المقاعد محدودة للمشاركة في الهاكاثون، سجل الآن!
سجل الآنهل لديك أي سؤال؟
ستجد بالأسفل جميع الأسئلة الشائعة، في حال لم تجد إجابة على سؤالك
الرجاء التواصل معنا من خلال الايميل التالي:
الأسئلة الشائعة
لقد قمنا بتجميع الإجابات التي كنت تبحث عنها.
ما هو الهاكاثون؟
الهاكاثون هو ماراثون للابتكار، حيث يتم تجميع الفرق المشاركة لتقديم مقترحات والوصول إلى حلول جديدة للمشاكل الحالية.
ما هي مبادرة جيل طليق (GenU) ؟
GenU هي شراكة عالمية متعددة القطاعات تابعة لليونيسف تمكن جيل من 1.8 مليار شاب وشابة (10-24عام) ليصبحوا منتجين ومشاركين فاعلين في المجتمع.
يمكنك معرفة المزيد عنها من هنا.
ما هو هاكاثون جيل طليق؟
تشارك غزة سكاي جيكس مع اليونيسف لبناء هاكاثون افتراضي لمدة 4 أيام، يستهدف الشباب الذين تبدأ أعمارهم من 16 من غزة والضفة الغربية.
أرغب في الانضمام مع فريقي، هل يمكنني ذلك؟
سيتم تشكيل الفريق خلال أيام الهاكاثون، يمكنكم التسجيل جميعاً كأفراد وسيكون هناك يوم لتشكيل الفرق.
ما هو دور المنتور خلال أيام الهاكاثون؟
سيقوم المنتورز بثلاثة أشياء رئيسية:
- يمكن للفرق المشاركة في الهاكاثون الحجز معهم بناء على مواعيد توفرهم خلال ساعات العمل.
- سيشاركون في جلسات تدريب العروض التقديمية.
- سيُحكمون في لجان التصويت للفرق النصف نهائية.
كيف يمكنني التواصل مع فريقي خلال فترة الهاكاثون؟
قناة التواصل الرسمية بين المنظمين والمشاركين هي Slack و Zoom لذا تأكد من الإطلاع الدائم على سلاك، اضافة الى أنه لك حرية الإختيار لطريقة التواصل التي تجدها مناسبة أكثر بعد تكوين فريقك.
ما هي الجوائز؟
الجائزة الحقيقية هي مساهمتك في مساعدة مجتمعك على مواجهة التحديات في قطاع التعليم في فلسطين خاصة تلك المفروضة أثناء جائحة كورونا، ستحصل الفرق الفائزة على فترة احتضان بقيمة +20 ألف دولار في غزة سكاي جيكس.
من يمكنه المشاركة؟
أي شخص يمكنه المشاركة في الهاكاثون في حال كان لديك فكرة لحل مشكلة لإحدى تحديات التعليم أو مهارة وتريد بناء منتج أو خدمة لرفع من مستوى التعليم في فلسطين.
متى سيقام الهاكاثون؟
سيعقد الهاكاثون عبر الإنترنت من 21 إلى 24 أكتوبر.
ما هو الناتج النهائي؟
عرض تقديمي لفكرة المشروع الخاصة في فريقكم، بالإضافة إلى فيديو مدته دقيقة واحد لعرض نموذج أولي لمنتجك إن كان متوفر.
أنا من فلسطينيي الشتات، هل يمكنني الانضمام؟
للأسف الشديد يجب أن تكون فلسطيني الجنسية مقيم في فلسطين، لكن نسعى أن تشمل فرصنا القادمة فلسطينيي الشتات
المشاركين
كيف يمكنني التواصل مع شخص واحد فقط على Slack ؟
يمكنك إرسال رسائل مباشرة عبر Slack إلى شخص واحد أو عدة أشخاص.
كيف أقوم بإنشاء مجموعة للفريق على Slack ؟
يجب عليك إنشاء قناة عامة وتسميتها بشكل يتناسب مع اسم فريقك، ودعوة الأشخاص إليها من خلال الإشارة إليهم، سنرسل معلومات مفصلة حول كيفية القيام بذلك عبر Slack..
هل يحتاج فريقي إلى قائد؟
لا يوجد قائد محدد ولكن يمكنك بالطبع تعيين شخص واحد لإرسال الملفات والاهتمام بالاتصالات بالطريقة التي تراها مناسبة.
هل يمكنني التواصل مع فريقي بوسائل أخرى غير Slack ؟
قناة التواصل الرسمية بين المنظمين والمشاركين هي سلاك، لكن يمكنك اختيار طريقة تواصل داخلية بين فريقك بالشكل الذي تراه مناسب وأكثر كفاءة.
الشركاء
شكراً لممولي وداعمي والشركاء الهاكاثون الإفتراضي الأكبر




مدعوم من


Our Story
Gaza Sky Geeks is a program of Mercy Corps established in 2011 in collaboration with Google. Having undergone a journey starting out as a startup bootcamp, Gaza Sky Geeks now has the status of tech hub housing tech upskilling, coworking spaces and a startup accelerator, making it the number one destination for Palestine’s top tech talent.
Mercy Corps recognizing the need for a tech ecosystem
Mercy Corps secured their first USAID-funded tech education program in the West Bank. Programs of this period mark the beginning of Mercy Corps’ consideration going beyond humanitarian programs by redirecting the spotlight to opportunities in tech and entrepreneurship in Gaza.
Acknowledging the urgent need to create more sustainable opportunities for Palestinian youth became the starting point of Gaza Sky Geeks. A seed had been planted with the aspiration that soon Palestine would benefit from having a flourishing tech ecosystem.
Launching the Arab Developer Network Initiative
In 2011, the Arab Developer Network Initiative (ADNI) was launched through generous funding from Google. Mercy Corps arranged multiple visits for the Google team to get familiarized and work with the community on creating mobile apps. Mercy Corps took it from here and decided to establish a Mercy Corps and Google-funded Acceleration program.
Gaza Sky Geeks: the Acceleration Program
Since 2011, we were able to grow the Palestinian Tech ecosystem as one of the key players of the Palestinian tech ecosystem in both Gaza and the west bank. Gaza Sky Geeks started with only three core team members joined by the three winning teams from Startup Weekend, Gaza Sky Geeks’ first office operated from a small flat in Gaza.
After launching Gaza Sky Geeks, the team started slowly but steadily tackling sensitive and urgent issues that youth and women face in their journey.
Addressing the need for women inclusivity
In 2014, the GSG team started designing and implementing a series of small events dedicated to women’s empowerment in the ICT sector by inviting local and regional experts to help strategize the women’s outreach program in universities and tech communities in Gaza.
PowerUpGazaGeeks Crowdfunding Campaign
Due to lack of funding and the electricity crisis in 2016, the team was not able to open the co-working space on weekends or evenings. This has inspired the team to launch the PowerUpGazaGeeks crowdfunding campaign to raise $95k to buy a dedicated generator
Launching the Freelance Academy
The Freelance Academy was established as a response to a debilitated local job market and to increase online job opportunities, which spoke powerfully to the GSG vision to help Palestinians build a stronger economy and gain meaningful income.
The unprecedented demand and need of Palestinians to find a place to help them build their skills and pave the way for them to join the tech industry called for creating a new program.
Launching the Code Academy
Gaza Sky Geeks launched the Code Academy in 2017, a program designed to quickly and effectively expose a wider range of participants with little to no previous technical knowledge to career opportunities using coding fundamentals. We took our mission from Gaza to the rest of Palestine, one mission and a stronger vision
Roadshow and Expansion to the West Bank
An expansion in the west bank followed after the Gaza Sky Geeks team members went on a roadshow there to raise awareness of their work, and the role Gaza Sky Geeks plays in the tech ecosystem, and to recruit university ambassadors there.
Expansion to Khan Yunis
To address the needs of the freelance community in South Gaza, Gaza Sky Geeks have decided to expand there in 2018; in collaboration with local Universities in southern Gaza. A pilot technical training was launched there.
Big steps and quality partnerships
In 2018, in partnership with Upwork, Rise Up on Upwork Bootcamp was carried out in Gaza. It invited freelancers who wish to join the Upwork platform to learn more about it. Meanwhile, the Code Academy started building its curriculum to utilize it in a 6-month long Bootcamp. Their graduates were chosen to mentor in the following cohorts.
Scaling up and strategic growth
A Soft Skills program aiming at building community members’ professional and soft skills was launched in partnership with BTS. The program helped mentees upskill, communicate more efficiently and become market-reliable.
Moreover, the MSME program changed to the IT-MDI (IT market development initiative), supporting IT companies by providing them grants to develop their work.
Rise up on Upwork 2 was held in 2019 and it was a milestone that announced an official partnership with Upwork. Also, the Geexlerator went on its first roadshow. One or Two startup teams went on a trip around the MENA region. Seats in the middle east’s most prestigious events for investors and entrepreneurs were preserved for them.
Resilience in the time of Covid 19
Despite the challenges and hardships that came with Covid-19 around the world, Gaza Sky Geeks managed to stay in touch with the community, launch new courses and cohorts and record new achievements. The Code Academy introduced new courses and upskilling pathways to the Palestinian community during the covid 19 epidemic. The Geexelerator, too, started an upskilling program for founders and entrepreneurs in Palestine to bridge the gap in the market and the Palestinian entrepreneurship system.
Unlimited opportunities
Gaza Sky Geeks’ learnings from the covid 19 epidemic were many. GSG started looking at remote activities as a choice to increase the number of participants in events and workshops.
This situation also helped the Freelance Academy engage more people in its training. Tech solutions kept us engaged with our community, and new activities are also introduced to our community.
From Gaza, Palestine to Iraq
Covid 19 brought new challenges and chances for Gaza Sky Geeks. During the epidemic, and in cooperation with Mercy Corps – Iraq, we implemented the first virtual freelancing cohort in Iraq and it was a success!
This collaboration was an embodiment of our vision of leading the tech ecosystem in the MENA region. We implemented the program with the potential of Gaza breaking the stereotype of being a fund-consumer.
Gaza Sky Geeks closed its doors as a response to the covid 19 epidemic until the government allowed organizations to work from offices. We also designed a plan to reopen the place for our community moving from welcoming 0 people to welcoming mentors, who were asked to adhere to covid 19 rules. Then, we moved slowly but steadily to opening the co-working space for people who need it most.
Our Story
Gaza Sky Geeks is a program of Mercy Corps established in 2011 in collaboration with Google. Having undergone a journey starting out as a startup bootcamp, Gaza Sky Geeks now has the status of tech hub housing tech upskilling, coworking spaces and a startup accelerator, making it the number one destination for Palestine’s top tech talent.
Mercy Corps recognizing the need for a tech ecosystem
Mercy Corps secured their first USAID-funded tech education program in the West Bank. Programs of this period mark the beginning of Mercy Corps’ consideration going beyond humanitarian programs by redirecting the spotlight to opportunities in tech and entrepreneurship in Gaza. Acknowledging the urgent need to create more sustainable opportunities for Palestinian youth became the starting point of Gaza Sky Geeks. A seed had been planted with the aspiration that soon Palestine would benefit from having a flourishing tech ecosystem.
Launching the Arab Developer Network Initiative
In 2011, the Arab Developer Network Initiative (ADNI) was launched through generous funding from Google. Mercy Corps arranged multiple visits for the Google team to get familiarized with the community, and together they worked on creating mobile apps. Based on this success Mercy Corps and Google solidified their partnership by establishing Google-funded Acceleration program run by Mercy Corps.
Gaza Sky Geeks: the Acceleration Program
The Gaza Sky Geeks which today is a well-known tech ecosystem player in Palestine had its modest beginnings in 2011. The original team consisted of just three core team members joined by the three winning teams from Startup Weekend, and operated out of a small flat in Gaza City.
Addressing the need for women inclusivity
In 2014, the GSG team started designing and implementing a series of small events dedicated to women’s empowerment in the ICT sector. By inviting local and regional experts to help strategize around the university and community outreach efforts to secure a higher female participation and program engagement, the Big Sister, Little Sister initiative was born.
PowerUpGazaGeeks Crowdfunding Campaign
Due to lack of funding and the electricity crisis in 2016, the Gaza Sky Geeks was not able to open the co-working space on weekends or evenings. In response to this the team decided to launch the PowerUpGazaGeeks crowdfunding campaign to raise $95k to buy a dedicated generators for the co-working space.
Launching the Freelance Academy
Established in 2016 in response to a debilitated local job market and to increase online job opportunities, which spoke powerfully to the GSG vision to help Palestinians build a stronger economy and gain meaningful income online. The unprecedented demand and need for supporting and strengthening digital upskilling, paved the way for the creation of a new program: The Freelance Academy.
Launching the Code Academy
In an effort to branch out and increase the impact of the organisation, Gaza Sky Geeks launched the Code Academy in 2017. The program was designed to quickly and effectively expose a wide range of participants with little to no previous technical knowledge to career opportunities using coding fundamentals. Embracing the mantra of self learning and continuous growth, the Gaza Sky Geeks coders are resilient, remote-first and ready to take on any challenge!
Roadshow and Expansion to the West Bank
In 2018 an expansion in the West Bank followed after the Gaza Sky Geeks team members went on a roadshow to raise awareness of their work, and the role Gaza Sky Geeks plays in the Palestinian tech ecosystem. The initial expansion consisted of a series of tech and entrepreneurship events all under the umbrella Geeks Labs.
Expansion to Khan Yunis
As the interest in the Freelance Academy grew, the logistical challenges of moving around the Gaza Strip paired with the difficulties of assessing marginalized communities meant caused Gaza Sky Geeks to expand further. This was done by piloting a technical training in collaboration with local universities in southern Gaza.
Big steps and quality partnerships
Another milestone of 2018 was the Rise Up On Upwork bootcamp carried out in partnership with Upwork. The focus of the bootcamp was to encouraging budding freelancers contemplating joining the Upwork platform to join the event in order to learn more. More than 100 freelancers completed the bootcamp making it the biggest of its kind in Palestine.
Scaling up and strategic growth
2019 was a year of exponential growth and a breadth of activities being added to the Gaza Sky Geeks portfolio:
- – A new soft skills initiative focus on professional development was added.
- – A second Rise Up On Upwork event was held, which became the catalyst for the official partnership between Gaza Sky Geeks and UpWork.
- – The Startup Accelerator went on its first roadshow taking two startup teams on a trip around the MENA region visiting the most prestigious events for investors and entrepreneurs.
Resilience in the time of Covid-19
Despite the challenges and hardships that came with Covid-19 around the world, Gaza Sky Geeks managed to stay in touch with the community, launch new courses and cohorts, and record new achievements. Amongst these were the Code Academy introduced new courses and upskilling pathways to the Palestinian community during the Covid-19 epidemic. The Startup Accelerator, too, started an upskilling program for founders and entrepreneurs in Palestine to bridge the knowledge gap in the market.
Unlimited opportunities
The learnings and key take aways from the Covid-10 pandemic were many. As the world transitioned and adjusted to the new normal of working remotely, Gaza Sky Geeks started exploring remote activities as a way to increase the number of participants in events and workshops.
Thanks to this, Gaza Sky Geeks was able to extend its impact to a lot more people, and one of the perhaps most impressive achievements has been the Freelance Academy’s ability increase cohort sizes from 30+ to 300+ participants.
From Gaza, Palestine to Iraq
Covid-19 brought new challenges and opportunities for Gaza Sky Geeks. In cooperation with Mercy Corps Iraq, Gaza Sky Geeks implemented the first virtual freelancing cohort in Iraq – and it was a success! This collaboration was the embodiment of Gaza Sky Geeks’s vision of being a leader of not just the Palestinian tech ecosystem, but across the MENA region – challenging the narrative of Gaza being an aid-consumer.