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Youth, Freedom, and the Future
Inspiring Jordanian Youth Through Liberal Education

3.8 Minutes
Gloria Al-Khalasa is a Communications Officer at the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) in Jordan. With a degree in Languages and Translation, she has experience in NGOs . She is multilingual, fluent in Ukrainian, Russian, English and Italian, and also has a keen interest in photography and composing articles.
  Gloria Halasa
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The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in Jordan successfully concluded the third round of its flagship Free Youth Course, welcoming 24 promising young participants for a transformative three-day experience centred on liberal values, individual freedoms, and civic engagement.

An Immersive Liberal Learning Experience

Hosted at the scenic Hilton Dead Sea, this edition of the course offered a unique, experience-based introduction to liberalism. Merging academic content with hands-on learning, the program featured expert-led discussions, peer activities, and thematic exercises aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of liberal thought.

Fostering a Grassroots Movement

This initiative forms part of FNF Jordan’s broader strategy to empower youth by equipping them with the tools to think critically, engage civically, and lead change within their communities. By connecting like-minded individuals through education, the Foundation is actively nurturing a grass roots network of liberal advocates.

Opening with Energy and Vision

The program kicked off with a spirited orientation and Goose Chase, an interactive team-building game facilitated by Abdallah Abdoh. Khalil Abu Nijmeh, Project Coordinator at FNF Jordan, welcomed the participants and introduced the vision of the course — to strengthen civic responsibility through a liberal lens.

Highlights from the Thematic Sessions

Throughout the three days, participants engaged with the following core topics:

  • What is Liberalism?
    A foundational lecture introducing key liberal concepts such as freedom, equality, the rule of law, and individual rights.

  • Rule of Law in Practice
    Delivered by guest expert Saed Karajeh, this session provided a practical and legalist perspective on how the rule of law underpins democratic societies.

  • Liberalism and Religion
    Led by Dr. Amer Al Hafi, this discussion explored the relationship between faith and freedom, encouraging participants to reflect on diverse world-views.

  • The Market of Values
    A collaborative exercise focused on the role of individualism and values in shaping liberal societies.

  • Challenges of Jordan
    A thought-provoking session examining national political and social issues through a liberal perspective.

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Learning Beyond the Classroom

In addition to structured sessions, participants bonded over informal evening activities, including a movie night followed by a reflective discussion. Feedback circles at the end of each day provided space for participants to share insights, deepen connections, and reinforce their learning.

A Growing Network of Young Advocates

With this third round, the Free Youth Course has now reached 82 participants — carefully selected from over 1,130 applicants. The strong interest among Jordanian youth in civic engagement and liberal thought reflects a growing demand for such educational spaces.

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Looking Ahead: Building a Freer Future

This session marks the third in a five-part series designed to cultivate a new generation of liberal thinkers and community leaders. Participants left not only with certificates of completion but also with renewed confidence, critical insight, and the motivation to be agents of change.

FNF’s Jordan Commitment to Youth and Freedom

FNF Jordan remains dedicated to investing in youth as a pathway to a freer, more just society. The Free Youth Course stands as a testament to this mission — and its positive impact is only just beginning.