As part of efforts to empower young women and girls, and enhance their role in driving community transformation, participants in the Nidaa for Change project, implemented by the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), launched four innovative initiatives this December. These initiatives aim to support an inclusive, equitable, and accessible educational system in the governorates of Amman and Mafraq, contributing to improved learning environments for both students and teachers.
The initiatives addressed pressing issues closely linked to the school and youth context. They included the Youth Skills Development Initiative (Amman), the Legal Awareness Initiative for Addressing Cyber Violence (Mafraq), the School Anti-Bullying Initiative (Mafraq), and the Digital Education Enhancement Initiative (Mafraq).
The initiatives were carried out through interactive awareness sessions led by experienced trainers and specialists. These sessions created a space for dialogue that brought students and teachers together at one table to discuss on-the-ground challenges and propose participatory solutions that enhance the quality of education in both governorates.
The project highlighted collaborative and collective work through close cooperation with local partners. The Amman initiative was implemented in cooperation with the Princess Basma Center for Development (Al-Nuzha branch), while the Mafraq initiatives were implemented in partnership with Qudorat Association for Community Development and Charity.
Majd Al-Masaeed, a participant from Mafraq, emphasized the pivotal role of girls in creating change and stated:
“We believe in our role as active agents of change within our communities, and these initiatives represent our practical pathway to improving the state of education in Mafraq.”
“We believe in our role as active agents of change within our communities, and these initiatives represent our practical pathway to improving the state of education in Mafraq.”
Sara Ouda, a participant from Amman, explained that the experience strengthened young women’s leadership skills, adding:
“These initiatives deepen our belief in our ability to achieve our dreams and build more inclusive and just communities.”
“These initiatives deepen our belief in our ability to achieve our dreams and build more inclusive and just communities.”
Project Manager Malak Suleiman affirmed that Nidaa for Change is more than a temporary initiative. She noted that it is a real call to believe in young women as a driving force for change. This vision was demonstrated by dozens of participants who took initiative and worked passionately to design and manage six specialized initiatives supporting inclusive education, distributed equally between Amman and Mafraq. She added that the financial support is not merely funding, but an investment in the determination of young women who are being prepared to become active advocates and inspiring leaders who do not wait for change, but create it themselves for a more just and inclusive future for all.
Nidaa for Change is implemented by ARDD within the IGNITE project, Inspiring Girls and Grassroots Networks for Inclusive and Quality Education, with support from the René Moawad Foundation and funding from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and additional support from the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The project targets girls aged 15 to 19 from refugee and vulnerable communities in Amman and Mafraq.
