Empowering Jordan’s Youth
FNF Jordan Hosts Youth Course at the Dead Sea
With liberal values becoming ever more vital in regional civic discourse, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Jordan hosted the second Free Youth Course from May 8–10, 2025, at the Dead Sea. The event gathered 26 promising youth from across Jordan for a transformative three-day program focused on freedom, civic awareness, and democratic values.
Participants reported a significant increase in their understanding and acceptance of liberal principles by the end of the course, affirming the program’s success in shaping engaged and thoughtful future leaders.
Day 1: Establishing Foundations and Shared Values
The course kicked off with an engaging welcome session by Khalil Abu Nijmeh, Project Coordinator for the Jordan Desk. His introduction fostered a sense of community, setting the tone for an open and collaborative learning environment. Participants then completed a baseline knowledge questionnaire and took part in team-building exercises to get to know each other.
In the afternoon, participants explored the difference between facts and values in a practical session facilitated by Abdallah Abdoh. Through a hands-on group activity using democratic decision-making models, participants selected and prioritised values from a list of 40. The session offered a clear look at how democratic consensus works in real time and sparked engaging discussions.
“It wasn’t just theory—we practised how democracy works by negotiating values. That was new and eye-opening,” said one participant.
Day 2: Liberalism in the Arab Context
The second day offered a deeper dive into the core tenets of liberalism, its historical trajectory, and its roots in Arabic intellectual thought. Discussions focused on how liberalism aligns with regional identities, challenging the perception that liberal values are incompatible with local traditions.
Later, Amro Al Nawayseh led an eye-opening session on the Jordanian political system, explaining key reforms and trends shaping the country’s governance. His talk helped participants contextualise liberalism within Jordan’s current political landscape.
In the evening, a documentary screening explored the tactics used by authoritarian leaders to concentrate power and suppress dissent, highlighting the importance of democratic safeguards and civic vigilance.
Day 3: Liberalism and Religion
The final day featured a compelling session by Dr. Amer Al Hafi, who unpacked the complex relationship between liberalism and religion. His lecture offered theological and philosophical insights, sparking a rich and respectful dialogue amongst participants.
“Dr. Al Hafi helped me understand that being religious and liberal aren't opposites—they can go hand in hand,” noted another participant.
The day concluded with a course evaluation and a post-training knowledge questionnaire, which showed notable progress in participants' grasp of liberal concepts and their enthusiasm to further explore them.
Real Impact, Lasting Conversations
By blending expert facilitation, open dialogue, and hands-on exercises, the Free Youth Course provided a unique and transformative experience. It gave young people the intellectual foundation and practical tools to understand, question, and advocate for liberal values in their communities.
The Free Youth Course series continues to be a flagship initiative in FNF Jordan’s youth engagement strategy, reaffirming the foundation’s commitment to promoting freedom, democracy, and individual rights across the region.