Youth experience Kingdom’s political processes first-hand through KAFD project

AMMAN — In cooperation with the King Abdullah II Fund for Development (KAFD), the All Jordan Youth Commission (AJYC) on Sunday held a session titled “Youth Participation in Political Processes” at the Lower House of Parliament, with the aim of empowering youth and engaging them in the decision-making process in the Kingdom.

The session was held under the KAFD’s “Fellowship with the Lower House” project, which intends to engage young Jordanians in democracy and decision-making by introducing the fundamental role of the Lower House, project liaison officer Amjad Kremeen said.

 During the meeting, Head of the Lower House’s Administrative Committee MP Ali Hajahjeh encouraged attendees to “realise a forward step in the political reform they long to see by improving their knowledge, believing in themselves and working to leave a positive legacy”. 

“One should strive to seize opportunities rather than wait around for miracles to happen,” Hajahjeh said, highlighting the vital role young Jordanians play in the decision-making process.

Rihab Qudah, a participant in the project’s media subdivision, said that the project helped her improve her writing skills to create professionally written reports covering the House’s and committees’ news.

Project participant Abdallah Abkal noted that the experience helped him broaden his knowledge in the political field by attending parliamentary meetings and closely observing MPs work.

Omar Shishani, another participant, noted the importance of the discussion sessions between youth and decision-makers to negotiate national issues aiming at enhancing young Jordanians’ effective participation. 

In cooperation with the Lower House, different Jordanian universities and various civil society institutions, the fellowship project seeks to implement His Majesty King Abdullah’s vision of youth’s political empowerment, Kremeen said.

The project targets young Jordanians aged 20 to 30 years old and aims to create youth leaders, increase awareness, expand youth participation in various fields, provide practical training and boost participants’ skills, he added.

Participants are divided into four groups: 130 participants accompany lawmakers to learn from them and “experience the political processes in action” and 20 other participants conduct research regarding laws, legislation and socio-politics, according to Kremeen. 

An additional 20 young Jordanians establish plans and campaigns to gain support on political and legal issues, while 10 join the media department, writing stories, taking pictures and creating videos, he added.

Project participants also attended Sunday’s and Tuesday’s Lower House sessions.