You are here

Workshops held across Kingdom to promote diversity

By Suzanna Goussous - Jan 22,2017 - Last updated at Jan 22,2017

Young people participate in a workshop held recently to combat extremism (Photo courtesy of We Are All Jordan Youth Commission)

AMMAN — The We Are All Jordan Youth Commission has been organising workshops and discussion sessions around the Kingdom recently, to raise awareness of the dangers of extremism and the role of young people in countering radicalisation.

Bilal Smadi, the campaign’s coordinator in Ajloun, 70km northwest of Amman, said on Sunday that the initiative, launched by the commission and the King Abdullah II Fund for Development, aims to reach as many people as possible to discuss compassion, coexistence and stability in Jordan and the region. 

Since the Karak attacks in December 2016, activists and members of the commission have already organised events attended by more than 300 people, holding workshops and debates to promote dialogue and diversity. 

Eleven security personnel, three civilians and five terrorists were killed in the Karak incidents.

“Terrorism and extremism are close by, and these forces of darkness are surrounding us from all sides. It is our responsibility to raise awareness of their dangers and to educate citizens on the true concept of humanity and coexistence,” Smadi told The Jordan Times.

In each session, a facilitator meets with residents, between the ages of 18 and 30, in different areas of the Kingdom, the official explained, where participants debate issues of political, social, and economic development and stability. 

“We talk about vital elements for the development of a community: moderation in all values, whether religious, political, or social values. The workshops are aimed at promoting different viewpoints and accepting diversity as a positive characteristic,” he added. 

During the sessions and workshops, speakers and participants also discuss the true values of Islam, countering “stereotypes” and “misinterpreted concepts of the religion”, the Smadi said. 

The debates also tackle the “right way” to use social media in order to avoid spreading hate speech and extremism, he said, adding that attendees have shown interest in issues surrounding the use of social media.

 

“Putting on these events for young Jordanians will contribute to raising awareness about diversity and the value of listening to other points of views and different sides of a debate,” Smadi added.

up
70 users have voted.


Newsletter

Get top stories and blog posts emailed to you each day.

PDF