27-04-2026 | di COOPI

Jordan. Empowering youth through life skills and citizenship education

In April 2026, COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale successfully implemented the Life Skills and Citizenship Education (LSCE) training programme across the governorates of Mafraq, Karak and Zarqa, reaching 58 participants aged 16–24 years old from diverse educational and social backgrounds. The training was implemented under the project “CAFOO: Integrated community social protection approach to support the most vulnerable groups among refugees and host communities”, funded by MAECI through AICS and implemented in partnership with Zamzam River, Athar for Youth Development and INJAZ.

Conducted over four days in each location, the training aimed to strengthen life skills, communication, teamwork, self-confidence and active citizenship among vulnerable Syrian refugee and Jordanian host community youth, contributing to improved well-being, inclusion and resilience within community-based social protection systems.

Progress in skills and engagment

The LSCE training demonstrated significant positive outcomes among participants in terms of both learning and personal development.

Assessment results showed an overall 31% improvement between pre- and post-training evaluations, while 98% of participants demonstrated measurable progress throughout the sessions. Participants also reported very high levels of satisfaction with the training content, facilitation approach and interactive learning environment.

Beyond the data, facilitators observed clear changes in participants’ confidence, communication skills and engagement. Many young people who were initially hesitant to speak or participate became more active contributors in group discussions and teamwork activities by the end of the training.

Finding their voice

For several participants, the most visible change was feeling more comfortable expressing themselves.

Sidra* from Mafraq, who initially avoided public speaking activities, gradually became more confident through group exercises and peer interaction. By the final sessions, she confidently presented her group’s ideas. Reflecting on her experience, she shared:

Before the training, I was afraid to speak in front of others. By the final day, I felt more confident sharing my ideas with the group.

Her story highlights the importance of safe and supportive learning environments in helping young people overcome barriers to participation and recognise their own potential.

Encouraging participation

A similar transformation was observed in Hanan* from Zarqa, who was initially reluctant to introduce herself during the opening activities.

As she engaged in teamwork exercises and interactive discussions, her confidence steadily increased. By the end of the programme, she had become an active contributor, collaborating confidently with her peers.

 The activities helped me feel more comfortable speaking with others and sharing my ideas. I realised that my opinion matters and that I can contribute to the group.

Overall, participants consistently highlighted the value of the practical activities, teamwork exercises and safe learning atmosphere in helping them express themselves and participate.

From individual growth to community action

Beyond personal development, the training also encouraged participants to think critically about challenges affecting their communities and collaboratively explore ideas and solutions that promote positive citizenship and social responsibility.

As the sessions progressed, facilitators observed growing levels of initiative, collaboration, leadership and problem-solving skills. The experience demonstrated how strengthening life skills can also foster greater community awareness, helping young people recognise their role as contributors to positive change.

Omar* from Karak said:

The training helped me realise that I can be part of solutions in my community, not just an observer.

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COOPI has been working in Jordan since 2016, supporting social cohesion and resilience among Syrian refugees and host communities. Its interventions focus on child protection, education, prevention of sexual and gender-based violence, psychosocial support and economic empowerment through livelihoods and business development initiatives, particularly for women.

 

* fictitious names