In March 2024, a youth worker from Jordan joined the Erasmus+ project “European Values and Democracy Education for Youth Workers (EVADE)” in Tbilisi, Georgia. The training came at an important time when many societies were facing growing political tensions, misinformation, and a need for stronger civic participation. The project brought together youth workers from Europe and neighboring countries to explore human rights, democracy, and the active role of young people in shaping their communities. The program was designed to give youth workers both the tools and the confidence to educate others on these values and to inspire more inclusive, peaceful, and informed societies.
In Jordan, many young people face challenges when it comes to civic engagement. The country has a large and youthful population, but many of them feel disconnected from the political system. While Jordan has made steps toward democratic reforms, participation among youth remains low. Some feel they do not have enough information about their rights or about how they can be involved in their communities. Others do not see many examples of young people in leadership roles. In schools and universities, education on democratic principles and human rights is often limited or not interactive enough. At the same time, access to verified information and critical thinking skills are more important than ever, as misinformation continues to spread, especially on social media. These issues create a gap between young people and the systems that affect their lives.
The Jordan Youth Innovation Forum Society, a local NGO, has long been aware of these issues. It works to support youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and dialogue between generations. Before the EVADE project, the organization had already run several workshops and youth dialogues, but it was looking for more structured methods and best practices from other countries. The EVADE project was an opportunity to learn, share, and grow as a youth worker—and as a community.
The training in Tbilisi was a unique and unforgettable experience. Participants came from many different cultural and social backgrounds, but they all had one thing in common: a strong desire to make a difference. The days were full of learning, with a balance between theory and practice. There were sessions on European Union values, the importance of human rights, and how to engage young people in democratic processes. One of the most eye-opening moments was a simulation of a local council meeting, where participants had to take on different roles and debate real issues. This activity helped many people understand how democratic processes work in practice and how young people can be part of them.
A visit to a Georgian youth center was also very inspiring. The center used creative tools like theatre and digital storytelling to talk about rights and participation. It showed how art and culture can help bring people together and start important conversations. Another key takeaway was the importance of building trust between youth and decision-makers. In many countries, young people feel ignored or misunderstood. The training encouraged youth workers to help bridge this gap and create spaces where dialogue is possible.
Returning to Jordan after the project, the youth worker felt full of motivation. With support from the Jordan Youth Innovation Forum Society, a new initiative was developed, called “Youth Voice Circle.” The project was directly inspired by the EVADE training and focused on Civic Engagement, with a strong component of Dialogue with Politicians. The goal was to give young people in Amman and nearby cities a safe and open space to learn about democratic participation, practice critical thinking, and connect with local leaders.
The first step was to design a series of workshops that would be interactive and practical. Instead of long lectures, the sessions used games, discussions, and creative tasks to make learning fun and meaningful. Topics included the basics of civic rights, how laws are made, how to write a petition, and how to speak in public. One special part of the project was a “Mock Council” activity where young people had the chance to play the roles of city council members, citizens, and media. This activity helped them understand the importance of listening, compromise, and taking responsibility.
The second step was to organize real dialogue events with local representatives. Many young people were nervous at first, but they were well prepared thanks to the training. The events gave them a chance to ask questions, share concerns, and propose ideas for local improvements, such as public transportation, school facilities, and youth employment programs. Some politicians were surprised by the energy and knowledge of the participants, and they promised to keep the conversation going after the project ended.
The impact of “Youth Voice Circle” was stronger than expected. Many participants said they felt more confident and informed. Some said it was the first time they had ever spoken directly to a decision-maker. A few participants decided to start their own small projects, such as awareness campaigns or school clubs focused on civic participation. Teachers and parents also noticed a change in how these young people talked about social issues and worked with others. For the Jordan Youth Innovation Forum Society, the project brought new partnerships and visibility. Other NGOs and institutions expressed interest in using the same methods in different parts of the country.
At a larger level, the project helped open a small but important door for dialogue and trust between generations. It showed that youth are not just the future—they are also the present. They have ideas, energy, and a strong sense of justice. When given the tools and opportunities, they can become true leaders in building peaceful and democratic societies. The EVADE training helped make this possible by connecting theory with action, and by turning international learning into local impact.
As the journey continues, the youth worker reflects on how important this experience has been—not just for personal growth, but for the entire community. In a world where it is easy to feel powerless, projects like EVADE give strength, hope, and practical tools. They remind people that democracy is not only a word in a textbook—it is something that is lived every day, in conversations, decisions, and actions. The long-term vision is to create a society in Jordan where all young people, no matter their background, feel heard, valued, and involved. The dream is of a future where dialogue replaces silence, and where youth are at the heart of change.