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Latest News: Palestinian Youth Ambassadors Visit U.S.
The Ruwwad “Youth Volunteers for Community Assistance” project is a dynamic, nation-wide initiative that gives young Palestinians the tools to become local leaders—and promote social change across the West Bank and Gaza. Since 2005, Ruwwad (from the Arabic word for “pioneers”) has been planned, designed, and implemented ‘by youth, for youth’, with a focus on young women and men between the ages of 14-30.
By 2008, the project will empower 1,000 core “Youth Leaders” with leadership training and hands-on experience, reach out to 5,000 additional youth participants through community activities, and help over 20,000 Palestinian community members improve their living conditions. Ruwwad is funded by USAID's West Bank/Gaza Mission, and is implemented by the Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC) in partnership with local Palestinian organizations.
It's summer! West Bank youth enjoy Ruwwad's
summer camp programs
Ruwwad’s youth-centered work focuses on four main themes:
Humanitarian Assistance – Youth-led delivery of emergency food and medical aid to vulnerable communities, in partnership with local Palestinian NGOs.
Self Reliance – Activities that give families and community groups greater capacity to support themselves in tough economic times—like household gardening projects, or business coaching for local women’s craft cooperatives.
Civic Engagement – Community programs that raise awareness about local governance, inter-generational dialogue, and democratic principles.
Community-Based Needs Assessments – Youth-led surveys that collect information about the basic needs of vulnerable communities—so that USAID and local partners can respond with emergency aid.
Ruwwad Now
Ruwwad is committed
to responding quickly and effectively to recent economic and
political changes in the West Bank and Gaza. As a result,
Ruwwad program activities are currently being refocused to
engage youth in addressing the growing humanitarian assistance
needs of local communities. Youth are also being mobilized to
play a leadership role in activities that promote a democratic
culture and good governance.
| Ruwwad Humanitarian Assistance
interventions will include: promotion of community
self-reliance projects such as community gardens;
providing Information Technology-based assessments of
community humanitarian needs; establishing a Ruwwad
Youth Corps that offers youth opportunities to serve
their community. Democracy and Governance activities may
include public awareness, advocacy, and social
responsibility campaigns delivered through
youth-centered media, cultural activities, and sports
events. |
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“When I participated in a Ruwwad
program], it was the first time that I ever talked about
my own experiences in life. I felt so comfortable and
happy!...In my opinion, Ruwwad is so successful because
[it helps] teenagers express their hopes and dreams.”
Rand Khadir, 16, Ruwwad Program
Participant
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Our Mission & Vision
Ruwwad aims to empower young Palestinians, by giving them chances to apply their leadership skills to build healthy communities. Ruwwad envisions a West Bank and Gaza where youth are active, responsible citizens who lead positive social change in their local environments — creating better futures for all Palestinians as a result.
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