Zarqa

Jordan

Initiatives that Meaningfully Address Local Concerns

Young Cities supported three teams in Jordan to take on different issues which they felt were important and concerning in their own communities.

Young Cities launched its programming in Jordan in 2021, building upon the extensive relationships built by the Strong Cities Network since 2018. Our youth-empowerment efforts were focused on the city of Zarqa, the capital of Zarqa governorate on the outskirts of Amman. Zarqa is a multicultural city where Muslim and Christian communities have peacefully co-existed since the 20^th century. However, the city’s high rate of unemployment has left many young people in Zarqa feeling despondent and disengaged.

There, we trained 21 activists in Zarqa and supported the launch of three projects that tackled ableism with puppet theatre, COVID-related misinformation with research and analysis, and cyberbullying through theatre. Two of the initiatives have gone to receive a second round of funding through the Young Cities Ambassadors programme – taking different approaches to tackle disinformation and ableism.

Our Impact in Zarqa

We aim for relevant and strategic impact at scale. Working closely with young people in identifying the needs of their communities and the challenges they face, we ensure that the solutions we support them in developing are targeted and sustainable.

Using Puppet Theatre to Advocate Against Ableism

A team of young activists wanted to break the mould by using puppet theatre to counter discrimination and advocate for people with disabilities among young school-aged children.

Already an established and recognised youth collective in the Zarqa community, ‘We Are All Humans’ are known for their advocacy work in promoting greater inclusion of people with disabilities, who are often face discrimination and marginalisation.

The team designed a training programme for 12 participants with motor impairments to become more confident in engaging in the civic space. The project centred on a puppet theatre performance that the participants helped organise in central community spaces. The show showcased examples of how people with motor impairments – often excluded and unseen – should be valued and included by everyone.

Jordan | Zarqa

Team Design led a series of trainings and developed a suite of resources to reduce cyber-bullying in Zarqa.

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Our partners

The organisations and municipal governments we work with are essential to the success of the Young Cities programme. Together, we continue to effect genuine, relevant change in the communities in which we work.

Zarqa Municipality

Zarqa municipality has been a long-time partner of the Strong Cities Network. With their generous support, the youth were able to acquire the necessary permissions, venues and audiences to launch their campaigns. The Mayor himself attended many of the events and activities.

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WANA Institute

The WANA Institute is a not-for-profit policy think tank based in Amman, Jordan. The Institute’s goal is to promote a transition to evidence-based policy and programming to combat the development and humanitarian challenges facing the West Asia and North Africa region. It has been key to the launch, sustainability and amplification of the amazing campaigns youth have launched across Zarqa.

Visit the website.