Hi! My name is Amal Kharoufi and I’m a Youth Action Researcher. I am an otaku who loves Stardew Valley, coffee, and Skyrim. I can make about 6 different balloon animals/objects and I am the perfect person to take with you to a food festival. Growing up in the child welfare system I understand what it feels like to be alone and helpless. I want future youth to feel welcomed and heard regardless of their age, race, or identity. I want them to know that there are people here who are willing to help them carry the weight—that there are people extending their hands to them and all they have to do is grab it.

Why is this project important to you?
This project gives people who have been affected by the system the ability to take control of their lives. We have the power to make actual change and not just give people false hope and honeyed words.

What are your hopes and dreams for this project?
I hope we can redesign a broken system and give those in it hope for their future.

What have been some of your experiences in the project?
I’ve enjoyed working with people who not only understand the struggle but also have their own lived experiences.

What are your hopes and dreams for other young people?
I hope the future generations can have more and better opportunities to flourish than myself.

Amal’s Favorite Things:

Color: Purple
Animal: Sloth
Top 5 Animes: The Rising of the Shield Hero, Fairy Tail, Assassination Classroom, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, and The Ancient Magus’ Bride
Food: Lasagna
Beverage: Ginger ale and coffee
Zodiac Sign: Leo