Think Creative Fall 2024

Below: Youth volunteers at the STEAM Summer Adventure camp hosted by USAID’s Basic Education Activity in the West Bank shared their love of science and technology with children.

Partners of USAID’s Bar ama Baro program in Somalia organized a soccer tournament focused on youth integration, peace and unity.

“ Listen up: Really pay attention to what they're saying. Give 'em a stage: Let them share their stories in safe spaces. Work together: Partner with them on projects they care about. Teach 'em the ropes: Help them learn how to use social media and other tools. Support their lead: Encourage them to take charge and be leaders.”

How can we amplify the voices of marginalized youth? “ To truly amplify the voices of marginalized youth, we need to prioritize genuine engagement and representation. This means actively seeking out and listening to their stories, challenges and ideas, and ensuring they have a seat at the table in discussions that affect their lives. By partnering with youth organizations, utilizing digital platforms for wider reach and implementing mentorship and leadership programs, we can empower these young individuals to become advocates for their communities. It's about creating a culture of inclusivity where every voice is not only heard but valued and acted upon.” - Rami Al-Sobani, Operations & Security Manager, Jordan Technical Assistance Program “ Empowering marginalized voices within community organizing initiatives is essential to creating inclusive movements that truly amplify their perspectives and needs. This can be challenging, as it requires a deep commitment to equity and a willingness to listen to and learn from those who have historically been silenced. However, with thoughtful strategies and a dedication to inclusion, you can create a space where all voices are heard and valued.” represent the diversity of a community. It involves recognizing the barriers these groups face and actively working to

box which can lead to solutions to many problems, and they also have a positive attitude that can change communities.”

- Ammar Dughman, MEL Assistant, Jordan Technical Assistance Program “ Youth are integral to their local communities: they help shape its culture and they have extensive social connections. Just as young people experience a community's problems firsthand, they are often on the front lines of activism and other efforts to help address them.” - Khawla Odeh Abu Diab, Juzoor Project Manager, West Bank & Gaza Basic Education Activity “ Young people can help preserve and promote their cultural heritage through arts, music and storytelling. They can also play a role in bridging generational gaps and fostering a sense of community identity and pride. Based on that, the young generation and older generation can work well together and use their own strength in working.” - Quyen Cao, HR and Admin Officer, Vietnam Local Capacity Development “ Youth can see the future and create it. We can give new ideas for a modern world. The energy of young people can make a community change for good.”

- Mazen Mohammed, Logistics and Admin Officer, Jordan Technical Assistance Program

What do youth bring to the conversation? “ Novelty, fresh thoughts, new ideas, bright colors.” “ Youth drive renewal, innovation and development, leading society and advancing technology. They elevate education, politics, and peace, preserve culture and values and actively participate in development projects.” - Yacop Mugrabi, IT Coordinator, Jordan Technical Assistance Program “ They provide energy, leadership and are the agents of social change for development.” - Anastasia Shuman, Finance Specialist, Uzbekistan All Children Succeeding

- Jose Klee Aguilar, Procurement Officer, Guatemala Proyecto Tejiendo Paz

- Dailyn Tucux, Accounting Assistant, Guatemala Tejiendo Paz

- Yovana de Leon Fuentes, Administrative Assistant, Guatemala Proyecto Tejiendo Paz

Photos by Jim Huylebroek

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