Witness Center Concludes Training Sessions for the “Change Makers: Youth Voices for Dialogue and Community Participation” Project in Qalqilya
Witness Center for Citizen Rights and Community Development concluded the training sessions of the “Change Makers: Youth Voices for Dialogue and Community Participation” project at Al-Quds Open University in Qalqilya Governorate. The project is implemented by the Center with funding from the Government of Canada, with the participation of a group of young men and women and the presence of colleagues from the Canadian Representative Office.
The training sessions lasted three days and covered a range of topics aimed at strengthening young people’s capacities and developing their skills in psychosocial resilience, civic participation, and dialogue and conflict management. These sessions seek to empower young people to address community challenges and participate actively in bringing about positive change.
On the first day, trainer Shireen Al-Tahan delivered sessions on psychosocial resilience and well-being. The sessions focused on positive coping strategies, self-care, emotional awareness and emotional regulation, and the development of effective communication, active listening, and empathy skills. They also addressed the importance of building supportive relationships, teamwork, and applying resilience skills to overcome personal and community challenges.
On the second day, Dr. Yahya Al-Fahmawi delivered training sessions addressing the role of young people in community development, citizens’ rights and responsibilities, mechanisms for participating in local decision-making, and the promotion of transparency and accountability. The sessions also highlighted the importance of inclusive community participation and the engagement of women, young people, and marginalized groups in public life.
On the third day, trainer Mohammed Abaisi delivered sessions on conflict and conflict management, dialogue and disputes, and the problems and challenges facing the community. The sessions focused on enhancing participants’ ability to understand the causes of conflict and address them constructively, developing dialogue and communication skills, and exploring solutions to community problems. Participants also discussed a range of issues affecting their communities and developed ideas and proposals for youth-led initiatives that could be further developed and implemented, strengthening their role in addressing local challenges and creating a positive impact in their communities.
The “Change Makers: Youth Voices for Dialogue and Community Participation” project aims to develop the skills of 90 young men and women from Generation Z across the governorates of Nablus, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm, with a particular focus on marginalized groups. The project seeks to strengthen their active participation through dialogue with decision-makers, the implementation of youth-led initiatives, and the production of digital content and media stories. These efforts contribute to strengthening trust and social cohesion and fostering a culture of dialogue and community participation.
