Young people can help build stronger and more inclusive communities when they have the right knowledge, practical tools and opportunities to participate.
Aflatoun International recently collaborated with Ruwwad Altanmeyah – Jordan to deliver an online workshop on Human Rights-Based Community Initiatives. The session brought together 30 participants from Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and Yemen.
Participants represented Aflatoun partner organisations, universities and civil society organisations. Their diverse experiences created a valuable space for regional learning and exchange.
From rights to action
The workshop introduced participants to the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) and how it can guide the development of community initiatives.
This approach places human rights, inclusion and meaningful participation at the centre of planning. It encourages communities to identify their own priorities and take part in shaping the initiatives designed to support them.
Participants explored practical methods for:
- Conducting participatory community research
- Engaging community members throughout a project
- Identifying local needs and available resources
- Developing structured and sustainable initiatives
- Supporting young people to take active leadership roles
The discussions showed that strong community initiatives are not simply designed for people. They are developed with them.
Learning across the region
The workshop also gave participants an opportunity to exchange ideas, experiences and lessons from their countries.
Through peer learning, participants discussed how community initiatives can respond to different social and cultural settings while remaining grounded in human rights principles.
This regional exchange strengthened connections among organisations working to support young people and their communities. It also reflected Aflatoun International’s wider commitment to knowledge-sharing and capacity building across its partner network.
By learning from one another, participants were able to consider new ways of supporting young people as active citizens who can contribute to positive and lasting change.
Building future initiatives
Aflatoun International sincerely thanks Ruwwad Altanmeyah – Jordan for sharing its knowledge and practical experience.
Special appreciation goes to Sarah Al Baz for guiding the session and helping participants connect human rights principles with practical community action.
We also thank all participants for their enthusiasm, questions and active contributions throughout the workshop.
Aflatoun International looks forward to creating more opportunities that strengthen collaboration, learning and capacity across its partner network in the Middle East and North Africa region.
When young people understand their rights and have the tools to turn their ideas into action, they can play a meaningful role in shaping stronger communities.
12 July 2026