Generations For Peace’s Youth Media Programme comes to a close

AMMAN — Under the patronage of HRH Prince Feisal, Youth Media Programme “Jeel 01” came to a festive end on Sunday following 18 months of various youth-led efforts.

The “Jeel 01” programme, is implemented by Generations For Peace (GFP) and led by a team by of young women and men, with the support of the US embassy in Amman.

“The programme uses a multichannel-multiformat approach to reach, attract, engage, and influence young people, communities, stakeholders, and institutions across Jordan through a variety of innovative new formats and channels,” according to the Jeel01 website.

During the ceremony, GFP held the first screening of its “Dawsheh” web series at its headquarters in Al Hussein Youth City in Amman. Additionally, the programme’s journey since its inception in 2021 was presented in detail.

“Dawsheh” features 15 episodes that shed light on climate action, women empowerment, and mental health through the youth perspective. It features talented Jordanian actors, including Samira Al Asir, Wisam Tabila, Anad Bin Tarif, and other young faces.

Through the Tahwileh podcast, Café Stories episodes, the “Dawsheh” web series, blogs, and policy-reflective research papers on topics selected by youth participants through focus group discussion sessions, the programme offers an innovative and dynamic approach. Its themes cover climate change, entrepreneurship, youth and mental health, sport and arts for development, youth political participation, media, gender equality and gender-based violence, and the inclusion of persons with disabilities, said a GFP statement sent to The Jordan Times. 

In his speech at the closing ceremony, GFP President Mohanned Arabiyat said that “GFP is focused on the human component of content creation”. 

In every possible means GFP sought to give young people the needed space to express their own opinions and views, he added. 

"Jeel 01 provides an exceptional opportunity for our youth to express themselves. As the future of our society, it is inspiring to see the younger generation prioritise the topics that matter most to them. We take immense pride in the youth who have seized this opportunity to amplify their voices and bring attention to crucial issues. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the US embassy in Jordan for their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in our journey of utilising media as a tool to spread positive narratives and promote peace," Arabiat said in the statement.

The US Embassy Public Affairs Counsellor, Stefanie Altman-Winans, affirmed the United States’ commitment to continue to engage in programmes related to empowering Jordan’s youth. 

“For over 70 years, the United States has been firmly committed to the economic prosperity and security of Jordan.  Today’s event is the culmination of the wonderful efforts of Generations for Peace, the embassy’s public affairs section, and hundreds of young changemakers and role models.  We all celebrate Jordan’s future leaders, and reaffirm our commitment to continue to reach, engage and inspire Jordanian youth,” she said.

Commenting on her experience in the programme, youth participant Malaak Al Khudour said: “The programme offered a unique experience at every stage. I took pride in my ability to offer constructive feedback on the show’s scenario, particularly as its themes resonated with me on a personal level as a young woman in Jordanian society.” 

“Through the programme I have also had the chance to meet an influential entrepreneur who benefited me personally and introduced me to new aspects I was unaware of as I drafted my blog,” the statement quoted Khudour as saying.

Another Youth Participant, Laith Habash, said in the statement: “Jeel 01 stands out because we were a group of young people who discussed topics relevant to us from our perspectives. We had the chance to meet influential figures, work on a mental health blog, provide feedback on the show's plot, and see our ideas come to life. This experience was truly exceptional.”