The Café Talk program, generously funded by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, was successfully launched in 2017 across seven regions in Jordan, namely Irbid, Jerash, Amman, Zarqa, Madaba, Maan, and Al Karak. Functioning as engaging community roundtable sessions held in cafes and public spaces, Café Talks offered a platform for local community members to actively contribute their insights on pertinent issues and propose innovative solutions to address them.

To spearhead these discussions, 14 passionate program ambassadors were carefully selected and equipped with the necessary tools to host Café Talk events within their respective communities. The main focus of these gatherings was centered around Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), where participants delved into SDGs-related subjects and collaboratively explored viable community-driven solutions for them.

Over the course of the Café Talks, dedicated groups emerged from each region, driven by the commitment to address the issues they deemed most pressing. To amplify the reach and impact of these initiatives, short promotional videos were produced, shedding light on the solutions conceived by these local communities. Subsequently, an online competition, hosted on social media channels, enabled community members to vote for the most impactful initiative. During the final round, a judging committee assessed the initiatives and selected a winning project, which was then granted essential funding for its successful implementation.

The Café Talks program witnessed active participation from over 200 individuals in Jordan, including both local community members and influential decision-makers. The outstanding accomplishments of the Café Talks group from Al Karak, particularly their initiative focused on Forced Displacement, earned them a special invitation to participate in a radio program. This recognition further showcased the efficiency of the program in elevating the voices of local communities and providing them with vital resources to address their daily challenges.

The program’s impact extended to more than 100 individuals, encompassing a diverse mix of men and women, including both community members and decision-makers. Moreover, the success of the Café Talks model has inspired Drabzeen to incorporate it into numerous community-based events through the Café Talk Program, serving as a beacon of hope and empowerment for various communities in Jordan.

By fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment, the Café Talk program has sparked transformative action across Jordan, championing sustainable development and ensuring that the voices of local communities are heard. As we continue to build upon this successful program, Drabzeen remains steadfast in our commitment to empower communities, driving positive change and progress toward a brighter future for all.

In April 2023, Drabzeen partnered with ActionAid Arab Region to produce a podcast with Youth for Climate specifically about climate issues in Jordan. The podcast, titled “Winter-Summer”, is hosted by members of Youth for Climate and facilitated by Maise Abu Qaoud, the media director at Drabzeen. It was started as part of an effort to raise awareness about climate change and educate young Jordanians about environmental issues through social media.

The podcast covers a wide range of climate-related topics, such as observations on rising temperatures and their impacts, the effects of tourism on the environment, and issues regarding water scarcity in Jordan.Youth for Climate has hosted several guests on the podcast, including environmental activists, engineers, and pediatricians, to discuss the impacts of climate change in Jordan.

The podcast can be found on Drabzeen’s Facebook page linked here (add link to website).

My adds:

The Winter Acting as Summer Podcast (Shitta maSayef): Empowering Jordanian Youth for Climate Action

The podcast’s name, “Winter Acting as Summer” (Shitta maSayef), cleverly utilizes irony to illustrate the essence of its content, and humorously portrays the juxtaposition of climate issues in Jordan. Through this witty name, it emphasizes the paradoxical nature of climate change’s impact, underscoring the significance of addressing critical environmental concerns while infusing the discussion with a touch of comedy.

In a transformative partnership with ActionAid Arab Region, Drabzeen ventured to produce the Winter-Summer Podcast in 2023. This enlightening podcast, centered around climate issues in Jordan, is hosted by passionate members of the group Youth for Climate, and its facilitation by Maise Abu Qaoud, Drabzeen’s media director, ensures its impactful delivery. The podcast serves as a tool to promote climate change awareness and foster environmental education among young Jordanians, harnessing the power of social media to reach a broad audience.

Winter acting as Summer Podcast (Shitta maSayef) delves into a rich array of climate-related topics, presenting critical insights on the implications of global warming and its far-reaching impacts. Hosts also discuss topics such as the complex dynamics between tourism and its effects on the environment, the necessity of climate activism, and the pressing issue of water scarcity in Jordan. As  an organization dedicated to empowering youth, Youth for Climate has thoughtfully hosted various esteemed guests on the podcast, including environmental activists, professors, engineers, and pediatricians. In each episode, the expertise of these guests sheds light on the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change in Jordan.

Through Winter acting as Summer Podcast (Shitta maSayef), Drabzeen endeavors to foster a culture of informed and proactive climate activism in Jordan. By presenting young Jordanians with well-researched information and expert opinions, the podcast strives to equip the next generation with the knowledge and motivation to become catalysts for positive environmental change.

For easy accessibility, the Winter-Summer Podcast can be found on Drabzeen’s Facebook page, which further serves as an inclusive platform for young minds to come together, engage in meaningful conversations, and envision a more sustainable future for Jordan. As the podcast continues to spark dialogue and inspiration, it forms an integral part of Drabzeen’s commitment to fostering a greener and more sustainable society.

Join us on this transformative journey as we work together in the pursuit of climate justice. Together, let us raise our voices and take collective steps towards a brighter and more sustainable future for Jordan and beyond.

The Youth 2020 Project, launched by Drabzeen in 2020 in collaboration with Action Aid, emerged as an endeavor to bolster youth participation in the political landscape of Jordan. Over the course of three years, the project saw the active involvement of approximately 50 to 100 participants annually. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic during the project’s first year, subsequent years focused on engagement efforts in the governorates of Irbid, Mufraq, Mafraq, and Al Karak.

The Youth 2020 Project unfolded through three key phases: training, participatory action research, and youth campaigns. At the outset of each year, comprehensive trainings were conducted to equip young participants with an in-depth understanding of the Jordanian government system, current events, and the vitality of civic engagement and active participation in elections.

Subsequently, the project embraced participatory action research, where youth participants explored pertinent issues within their respective governorates, conducted surveys within their local communities to gauge perceptions, and sought proposed solutions. The outcomes of this research were analyzed, inspiring youth teams from each governorate to design advocacy campaigns that effectively raised awareness about the identified issues and advocated for potential solutions. Drabzeen’s financial support enabled the implementation of these campaigns, with each team receiving 1,000 JOD to fund their initiatives. Furthermore, the research findings were thoughtfully shared and distributed among community members and other organizations in a grassroots effort to broaden awareness and understanding of local challenges.

The resounding success of the Youth 2020 Project is evident in its tangible impact on youth awareness of local political issues, leading to a marked increase in youth civic engagement throughout Jordan. Notably, in 2021, the project reached around 500 young Jordanians, a number that swelled to approximately 200 in 2022. Beyond fostering political awareness, the project also honed valuable leadership skills among the youth, empowering them to train their peers in advocacy and advocate for civic engagement in local politics. A noteworthy testament to this enduring legacy is the 2021 cohort of participants, who actively provided training for the subsequent 2022 cohort, evidence of a self-sustaining cycle of knowledge transfer and empowerment.

The Youth 2020 Project stands tall as a shining example of how strategic interventions can empower and amplify the voices of young individuals in shaping the future of their communities and nation. Drabzeen remains committed to advancing this crucial cause, instilling a deep-rooted culture of civic engagement and political participation among the youth, as they emerge as the change-makers and leaders of tomorrow.

Building on the success of the 2017 Café Talks project, Drabzeen Human Development, in collaboration with the International Institute of Debate and with the invaluable support of HIVOS, proudly launched the Café Talk Program across several Arab countries, including Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon, and Iraq. Under the inspiring theme “Together for Active Youth and Creative Dialogues,” this initiative aims to cultivate a vibrant platform for young minds to engage in open dialogues and discussions in cafes and other public spaces.

At the heart of the Café Talk Program lies the earnest desire to nurture an environment that stimulates constructive conversations and facilitates the exchange of innovative ideas amongst young people. By empowering young individuals to actively engage in these dialogues, the program aspires to uncover solutions to the diverse challenges faced by their regions and neighborhoods. Drabzeen is deeply committed to implementing this program as a pivotal tool in many of our ongoing projects, leveraging its potential to spark meaningful change and progress.

Through the dynamic platform provided by Café Talks, Drabzeen strives to address a wide array of critical topics. These encompass pressing issues such as climate change, sexual and reproductive health rights, civic engagement, social justice, and more. By fostering inclusive and supportive spaces for dialogue, the program effectively encourages young participants to contribute their perspectives and insights to the conversation, thereby fostering a profound sense of ownership and agency over their communities’ future.

For those interested in delving into the rich history and origins of the Café Talk Program, we invite you to explore our section titled “Café Talk 2017 Project.” This resource sheds light on the program’s roots, offering valuable context to its current scope and impact.

As the Café Talk Program continues to flourish and extend its reach across the Arab world, Drabzeen remains steadfast in its mission to empower and uplift the voices of youth. By promoting creativity, critical thinking, and empathetic dialogues, we envision a future where active and engaged young leaders contribute significantly to the positive development of their societies. Join us in this transformative journey as we work hand in hand to create a brighter and more inclusive future for all.

The Debate Academy is a dynamic and ongoing project that thrives on collaborations with numerous international and local organizations across the region. The project’s core mission is to impart essential debate strategies and public speaking skills upon Arab youth, fostering both their intellectual growth and confidence.

The program brings together groups of 7-10 students who participate in expert-led training sessions designed to cultivate their debate and public speaking skills. Through these training sessions, students not only acquire invaluable debate skills but also develop the capacity to serve as qualified debate moderators, nurturing the leadership qualities within them.

Upon completion of the training program, our students harness their newfound capabilities to spearhead activism campaigns centered on pressing issues they choose to advocate for. Our vision extends far beyond training; we aspire for the Debate Academy to serve as a steadfast source of knowledge, allowing Arab youth to delve into the realm of dialogue and debate with confidence and conviction. By nurturing a generation of informed and eloquent debaters, we envision a future where these young minds actively engage in meaningful discussions about the topics they deeply care about.

As we continue to chart the path of the Debate Academy, we remain committed to advancing the cause of dialogue and debate among Arab youth. Our dedication to fostering critical thinking, empathy, and eloquence is unwavering; the latest installment of the Debate Academy took place in May 2023, and we encourage all interested parties to stay connected with us through our social media channels to stay informed about upcoming Debate Academy events.

The Debate Academy is a testament to our steadfast belief in the transformative power of education and open dialogue. Through this initiative, we strive to unleash the full potential of Arab youth, empowering them to be impactful leaders and articulate advocates for a better and more harmonious world. Join us in this journey of intellectual exploration and empowerment, as we collectively shape a brighter future through the art of dialogue and debate.

Launched in March 2023, the Masarouna Project is a collaboration between Drabzeen and Oxfam, driven by a shared vision to empower participants with comprehensive knowledge of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and related issues in Jordan. At its core, the project also seeks to equip participants with essential skills in training, facilitation, communication, interpersonal relations, and conflict management.

Drawing from diverse backgrounds and regions across Jordan, the Masarouna Project involves 20 participants, aged between 22 and 32, all hailing from 7 distinct regions. Throughout April 2023, Drabzeen conducted training sessions specifically focused on SRHR, while also hosting thought-provoking Café Talks dedicated to shedding light on SRHR challenges faced by intellectually disabled women in Jordan. This crucial topic was addressed with particular attention, given the unfortunate practice of forcibly sterilizing intellectually disabled women due to fears of rape, as well as cultural stigmas surrounding menstruation and the complexities faced by mentally disabled women requiring care during this time.

The impact of the training program was evident through pre- and post-assessments, which showcased significant positive shifts in participants’ understanding of gender, gender roles, gender identity, gender equality, transgender issues, and SRHR. Additionally, the participants developed a better understanding of the importance of adopting a human rights-based approach in addressing gender, GBV, and SRHR issues. Participants were also equipped with valuable knowledge about international agreements and Sustainable Development Goals related to these critical subjects.

In May 2023, focus group discussions provided a unique opportunity for 15 participants to share their perceptions of SRHR, address challenges related to accessing information, delve into the cultural and social factors influencing SRHR resource availability, and assess the efficiency of past training initiatives in enhancing participants’ understanding of SRHR issues.

Continuing its impactful journey, the Masarouna Project further extended its reach in June 2023 by delivering two advocacy training sessions tailored for Jordanian youth aged 18-35. The objective of these training sessions was to empower young individuals with effective strategies for engaging in SRHR discussions within their communities and advocating for SRHR issues in Jordan.

As the project continues, Drabzeen remains committed to nurturing the growth and development of its participants. The project’s trajectory includes an array of upcoming trainings slated for 2024, alongside the implementation of advocacy campaigns within Jordanian communities. With the collective determination to create lasting positive change, the Masarouna Project embodies the spirit of empowerment and progress, working hand in hand with communities to champion the rights and well-being of all.

The Climate Festival, an inspiring initiative launched in 2021, stems from a powerful Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) between Drabzeen and Global Platforms, an esteemed branch of Action Aid dedicated to youth activism and engagement. As part of this initiative, a dedicated core team at Drabzeen works closely with Global Platforms’ climate justice program, “Youth 4 Climate,” to drive a profound awareness of climate change and environmental issues throughout Jordan. Embodying a vibrant annual celebration, the Climate Festival aims to illuminate this vital work and actively involve local communities in understanding and addressing climate change.

The inaugural Climate Festival in the fall of 2022, spanning five days, saw enthusiastic participation from over 100 individuals. Drabzeen curated a diverse program, hosting insightful talks on Jordanian environmental laws, green entrepreneurship, and eco-friendly office spaces. Complementing these discussions were engaging hands-on activities and recycling workshops, ensuring an enriching experience for all attendees.

Continuing its impactful journey, the second annual Climate Festival took place over four days in June 2023. A prominent highlight of the festival was the March for Climate, in which activists and attendees demonstrated their collective commitment towards environmental justice. Activists, professionals, and esteemed guest speakers from the Jordanian Ministry of the Environment also delivered compelling talks to attendees, furthering the passion for climate action among the audience.

Live music, a delightful addition to the festival, not only celebrated the climate action movement, but also supported local musicians, adding to the festival’s theme of community engagement. An indispensable element behind the success of the Climate Festival has been the unwavering dedication of the numerous Youth 4 Climate volunteers, whose support is invaluable in planning and executing this impactful event.

Looking ahead with anticipation, Drabzeen eagerly awaits the next Climate Festival in 2024. As we continue to champion environmental awareness and community engagement, we will be sharing information about the festival’s dates through our social media platforms, ensuring that all who seek to partake in this empowering celebration can join us.

The Climate Festival stands as a testament to the transformative power of collective action and community engagement. Drabzeen remains committed to expanding the reach and impact of this significant event, empowering a generation of environmentally conscious individuals to safeguard our planet for generations to come. Together, let us continue to ignite the flame of change and build a greener, more sustainable future.