I’m growing old. Maybe 20 years old now? No, I’m 56. I was born in the house where my parents were born, near the Ibrahimi mosque. I grew up in a neighborhood full of boys and was the only daughter in my family. I lost my father in the 1967 War, so me and my brothers were sent to boarding schools. I got my schooling in Jerusalem, until the 11th grade, when I decided I needed to go back home and join my family. I studied English and education at Hebron University. Teaching gave me a lot of experience on how to deal with the community and put me on the first step towards volunteer work. I love children. My passion is for kids. In school, I would go to the children's section to help the babysitters with bathing, feeding, and playing with the kids. I always classify myself as the oldest child in the old city. I am from the area, so I know the needs of the children. I have a kindergarten as a volunteer project. For me it’s not an investment, it’s life. I cover many of the expenses myself. Children are the angels in life. It’s my world.

-Zleikha Muhtaseb