I recently had the privilege of speaking as a panelist at the Youth Forward Event, organized by Awaited Millenians at the Middle East Airlines Training Center. The event gathered youth leaders, innovators, and changemakers to reflect on the future of youth-led initiatives and the role of entrepreneurship in creating sustainable impact.
During the panel, I shared the journey of founding ToRead. What began in 2017 as a personal initiative has since grown into a company with an expanding team, multiple platforms, and thousands of registered users. Today, ToRead is not simply a project but a community that empowers young people daily by providing access to knowledge, tools, and opportunities.
The Journey of ToRead: From Idea to Impact
When I first launched ToRead, there was no master plan. It was a passion-driven attempt to make knowledge more accessible. The scale of its current impact was beyond what I initially imagined.
Over the years, the initiative evolved into an established company with:
- A growing and committed team
- Several online platforms dedicated to learning and youth development
- Thousands of registered users actively engaging
- A measurable impact on youth through education and empowerment opportunities
This transformation was shaped by experimentation, continuous learning, and many challenges that provided valuable lessons along the way.
Lessons Learned and Shared with Youth
In my panel remarks, I emphasized three core lessons that shaped both my personal journey and ToRead’s growth:
1. Just Start
Waiting for perfection often prevents ideas from coming to life. The first step is not to perfect your idea but to make it real. Perfection becomes clearer only after you begin.
2. Trust the Process and Yourself
Fear of failure discourages many young people from pursuing their projects. However, failure is not the end—it is feedback. Each setback teaches something new. For instance, if a workshop draws no participants, that experience highlights areas for improvement such as marketing, timing, pricing, or even topic selection. Without starting, these lessons remain hidden.
3. Ask for Help and Seek Mentorship
Building a network of support is essential. Many people are more willing to help than we often assume. Reaching out for mentorship or advice creates opportunities, whereas hesitation guarantees none.
A Moment of Reconnection
The Youth Forward Event was not only an opportunity to share insights but also a chance to reconnect with alumni from programs I previously organized and managed. Witnessing their continued growth and contributions to youth empowerment was deeply rewarding.
I extend my gratitude to Aya Termos for skillfully moderating the discussion and to my fellow panelists for their valuable contributions.
Closing Reflections
The Youth Forward Event reinforced the idea that entrepreneurship is not only about building businesses but also about fostering ecosystems, enabling opportunities, and empowering communities. The story of ToRead continues to unfold, and I remain committed to sharing lessons that may inspire others to embark on their own journeys.
For every young person with an idea: take the first step, trust the process, and do not hesitate to ask for guidance. The journey may be challenging, but it will always be transformative.
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