Preparing Youth for Leadership Roles in Changing Environments

The Jordan Experience

Abstract

*Arab Countries of the Middle East and North Africa | Reports from the Field

Youth in the Middle East are coming of age during a period of potentially destabilizing turmoil and dramatic change. Jordan, a relatively peaceful country positioned precariously between Iraq and Israel/Palestine, has emerged as peace-broker by default and a symbol of potential for a peaceful Middle East. Given the country’s unique position, what leadership roles can Jordan’s youth play in leveraging their country’s position as peacemaker and change agent? How can they be prepared as astute and critical social observers capable of making tangible contributions to positive, sustainable change? The paper discusses strategies for deepening Middle Eastern youth understanding about leadership. It further highlights the four phases that formed part of a course-based experiential approach to facilitating leadership learning among young people. The authors offer suggestions for redefining some traditional ideas about leadership in order to develop more supportive environments for youth activism and leadership in Jordan.