Launch of “ChangeMakers: Youth Voices for Dialogue and Community Engagement” Project to Strengthen Palestinian Youth Participation in Community Dialogue

Witness Center for Citizen Rights and Community Development launched the “ChangeMakers: Youth Voices for Dialogue and Community Engagement” project, funded by the Government of Canada, through a training activity that brought together a group of young people.

The project aims to strengthen the active and inclusive participation of Palestinian youth in local governance and community peacebuilding.

The project targets Generation Z youth in the governorates of Nablus, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm, with a particular focus on young women and men from marginalized groups. It seeks to develop the skills of 90 young women and men in civic engagement, leadership, dialogue, psychosocial resilience, and inclusive community participation.

The first training day featured Hind Saad, Director of Hayat Radio in Nablus, as a guest speaker. She spoke with the participants about her experience at the beginning of her career, the challenges she faced, and the importance of developing ideas and turning them into actionable initiatives. She also encouraged young people to draw on their experiences and develop community-based initiatives.

Nimala Kharoufa, a self-care and mental well-being trainer and trauma-informed dialogue facilitator, also delivered a session addressing various aspects of personal development and promoting psychological well-being and balance.

Psychologist Suha Al-Qadi addressed skills related to mental health and psychological resilience, helping young people cope with challenges and strengthen their ability to participate and engage within their communities.

Witness Center will continue the training activities over the following two days, with the participation of specialized trainers in dialogue, human rights, leadership, and youth-led community initiatives.

The project seeks to provide safe spaces for dialogue and cooperation between young people and decision-makers, and to transform the knowledge and skills gained by participants into practical action through youth-led community initiatives, digital products, and youth-led media stories. It aims to strengthen dialogue, trust, and social cohesion, expand youth participation in local issues, and provide young people with space to express their ideas and needs and contribute to the development of their communities.