Yousef was born in Zarqa, Jordan, in a modest home. His childhood was marred by parental conflicts, leading his mother to escape with him and his siblings to seek a better life.

At 12 years old, Yousef's parents separated, which forced his mother to care for the siblings alone. With no financial support, he dropped out of school to help sustain his family when his mother fell ill. Yousef began working at 14, initially weighing fruits and vegetables in a supermarket. His subsequent jobs included labor-intensive tasks.

Yousef's mother's lymphoma diagnosis created immense hardship. During her hospitalization, he faced emotional turmoil and assumed more responsibilities to support his family, adding to the weight of his young shoulders.

Through the NGO Ruwwad, Yousef accessed a vocational training program, shifting his perspective on life. He aspires to become a chef, driven by a passion for cooking and a desire to provide a better future for his family.