Al Bireh, Ramallah – On Thursday, the Ruwwad Palestinian Youth Empowerment Project, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the Education Development Center, Inc (EDC), held an environmental day in Ramallah’s sister city of Al Bireh. Through videos and presentations, the project highlighted ways in which it is providing Palestinian youth with opportunities to become community leaders and address the environmental needs of their society. At the event, held at Al Bireh Youth Development Resource Center, youth showcased different environmental initiatives they are conducting to build a brighter future. In addition to over 150 participants from Ruwwad and other youth organizations, the event was attended by USAID Mission Director Michael T. Harvey and staff from the USAID Education Development Office.
The event was launched with an overview of past environmental community service youth initiatives, implemented through the Ruwwad Palestinian Youth Empowerment Project. These projects focused on solving problems, such as releasing sewage in the streets, excessive water consumption, and disposing of trash in undesignated areas. Youth also spoke about an initiative they are preparing for with residents of Qarawat Beni Zeid to address the lack of garbage disposal infrastructure in the village.
The event highlighted the Environmental Pioneers project, currently being implemented in partnership with the Palestinian Wildlife Society (PWLS). Forty-six youth have completed a comprehensive hands-on environmental training over the past few months, preparing them to become environmental activists in their communities. During the event, participants from the project described their role in running environmental units, currently being established at 20 youth clubs throughout the West Bank. In each club, leaders will work with youth to address the environmental needs of their local communities.
To date, with the USAID and EDC support, the Ruwwad Palestinian Youth Empowerment Project has worked with youth to implement six environmental initiatives. These projects have reached over 6,000 community members through public awareness campaigns and other activities. Furthermore, 46 participants from the Environmental Pioneers project will engage at least 300 of their peers in environmental community activities. Through these efforts, the Ruwwad program is empowering youth by helping them develop the necessary skills to become environmental leaders in their communities for years to come.
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