SDF’s Youth Hub: a beacon of hope amid the chaos
SDF has launched a unique capacity-building program in North Gaza for the young leaders of the SDF’s youth hub, a new youth model, implemented in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). 50 young leaders (2 groups of 25) participated in a five-day intensive training that aimed to boost their capacity, knowledge, and skills in youth development.
Advert trainers, diverse skills
Participants received insights into effective communication, resilience, teamwork, critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, leadership, team management, and peer support. This program aims to empower young people in northern Gaza to lead community interventions during emergencies, which will include conducting peer support workshops and initiatives, ultimately advancing their agency to improve the situation in the Gaza Strip.
During the first two days, participants were oriented to best practices and tactics for fostering communication, teamwork, and creative thinking. After that, they delved into designing and leading community initiatives. The last two days concentrated on peer learning and facilitation skills.
SDF’s head of projects, Abeer Al Abyad, delivered opening remarks on the first day, stating that this training is a remarkable opportunity for young leaders to advance their engagement in community development and increase their knowledge and boost their skillset.
The atmosphere was interactive and insightful, which reflected participants’ commitment and active participation, but also their enthusiasm to lead community interventions after the training concludes.
SDF’s Field Coordinator, Rawan Zaqout
The 23 young participant Ahmad Zaqout said: “While young people in the Gaza Strip have been enduring complicated challenges, the project of protecting and empowering youth is a beacon of hope. It ultimately fosters youth capacity and agency in leading community development. It is not a mere support, but rather a restoration of confidence and a prospect for a better change.”
While his fellow participant, Aya Alzayan, expressed her pleasure to join the SDF’s youth network, highlighting that the training program is very qualitative and has addressed important topics. The interactive approach employed by the professional trainer added another layer of effectiveness.
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A space to unleash youth potential
It is worth noting that this hub is a model designed by SDF and launched in partnership with UNFPA to provide a platform for young people to improve their skills and capacity. Moreover, to advance their community engagement and resilience amid the hardships in the Gaza Strip.
The project entails a variety of activities, including establishing the hub in north Gaza, implementing a capacity training program on community development, sexual education, peer learning, and implementing youth-led community interventions targeting adolescents and girls, in addition to conducting educational sessions on sexual and reproductive health, Psychosocial First Aid, and Gender-Based Violence.
Later on, 20 female adolescents will be trained to become educators, so they can lead learning sessions for their peers on early marriage, personal hygiene during the period, and other sexual and reproductive health issues.
Even amid the darkest situation of the genocide, the SDF’s Youth Hub will remain steadfast as a beacon of hope, where youth find support and a space to learn, recharge, and thrive. If Gazans didn’t remain resilient in the face of this, who will do so?.
Al Abyad remarked
While the 23 years old, Lina Jarad says: “The hub hosted a five-day training of the best I have ever had. We learned a lot, and gained valuable insights, which will improve our community but professional assets as well. I am pleased to be part of this place.
Despite the harsh conditions in the Gaza Strip since the genocidal war that transformed the lives of Palestinians into an ongoing emergency, SDF remains dedicated and committed to being a beacon of hope through youth-led efforts. SDF launched its national relief response program “Together For Palestine” that provides food and non-food assistance to the IDPs in the Gaza Strip.
Through the youth-led T4P, SDF has been providing immersive support to marginalised communities in Gaza. In parallel, SDF has devoted genuine efforts to enhance the capacity of young people to foster their agency in leading relief efforts in the Gaza Strip.