Syria

USH Ambassadors for Syria - Rahaf, Zainaa, Farah, Naya, Zeina

Syria has a team of USH Ambassadors In Syria. Teams consist of individuals with Usher syndrome and local professionals who work with and support the Usher community. 

Rahaf and Zainaa Youssef are sisters with Usher syndrome. They bring decades of lived experience to the team.

You can contact them at: ambassador.syr@usher-syndrome.org

Farah, Naya and Zeine are professionals who support the USH Ambassadors. 

Together they are the USH Ambassador team in Syria.

You may contact the team at: ambassador.syr2@usher-syndrome.org

Rahaf Youssef

Rahaf Youssef is a graduate of the Faculty of Fine Arts – Department of Painting and Drawing, Tishreen University, Lattakia and a member of the Syrian Plastic Artists Union. Rahaf works at the Early Education Center in computer design and art instruction. She became an USH Ambassador in Syria, and an active community volunteer through:

• Teaching Deaf students at the Institute for the Deaf in Tartous (voluntarily).
• Advocating for the rights of people with Usher syndrome.

• Designing materials for charitable associations, including certificates of excellence for the Al-Ikhaa Association in her hometown, Brisseen.

  You can contact Rahaf at: ambassador.syr@usher-syndrome.org

Zainaa Youssef

Zainaa Youssef is a graduate of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts – Department of Painting and Drawing, University of Aleppo and a member of the Syrian Plastic Artists Union – Tartous branch. Zina is employed at Amrit Exhibition Hall, affiliated with the Tartous Directorate of Education. 

Her volunteer work includes:
Teaching art at the Institute for the Deaf in Tartous.
Participating in activities of the Usher Syndrome Coalition, supporting and building the Usher community in Syria, one person at a time.

You can contact Zainaa at: ambassador.syr@usher-syndrome.org

Farah Al-Tal

Farah is an Arabic Sign Language interpreter working with international organizations, institutions, and associations. She is the founder of the “Usher Initiative," supporting individuals with Usher syndrome in Syria. 

In her role as USH Ambassador in Syria for the Usher Syndrome Coalition, she provides support to Rahaf and Zainaa; works with the interpreting team, applies for grants, organizes events, and advocates for the rights of people with combined hearing and vision loss in Syria.

Farah holds a degree in Natural Sciences and is a fourth-year student in Special Education.

You can contact Farah at: ambassador.syr2@usher-syndrome.org

Naya Al-Hamed

Naya is a certified Arabic Sign Language interpreter and community empowerment specialist with over six years of experience in hearing and visual disabilities. Currently serving as a member of the USH Ambassador team in Syria, she also works as a sign language consultant with international organizations including UNICEF and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Naya has empowered more than 600 persons with disabilities through interpretation, training, and capacity-building programs. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering, and is pursuing a Master’s in Construction and Execution Technologies. Her work focuses on promoting community awareness and creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued and capable of meaningful participation.

You can contact Naya at: ambassador.syr2@usher-syndrome.org

Zeina Al-Moallem

Zeina is the Social Development Project Manager and Disability Inclusion Coordinator at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – Syria. A member of the USH Ambassador team in Syria, Zeina has over eight years of experience in social protection and inclusion. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University.

Zeina is passionate about empathy, awareness, and building inclusive communities where every person feels valued and a true sense of belonging.

You can contact Zeina at: ambassador.syr2@usher-syndrome.org

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