JUHOUD for Community, in partnership with the U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs in Jerusalem (U.S. OPA), is implementing a program titled “Palestinian Young Leaders for Democracy (PYLD)” an Exchange Program 2024-2025 in collaboration with AFRP in the United States.

The program aims to promote democratic values, and good governance principles, and advocates for the rights and responsibilities of good citizenship, by providing an informational exchange program to the United States and providing leadership and management skills, in addition to engaging participants in cross-cultural dialogue, and advocating for youth participation in public life and decision-making after their return.

Participants will be able to observe democracy in action in the United States through an informational exchange visit to the United States as a core travel activity and implement follow-up activities upon the group’s return that will build on their skills and experience. Therefore, Participants can expect in-depth exposure to U.S. society, culture, and democratic principles and values, as well as opportunities to enhance their professional skills and advocate for the rights and responsibilities of good citizenship.

Furthermore, Participants will be required to participate in a series of capacity-building sessions on (Leadership skills, Political & Negotiation Skills, Good Governance, Democracy, and cross-cultural understanding skills). Participants will also be required to be engaged in debate and discussion groups where the schedule will be shared at a later stage.

Achieved Outcome:

• Outcome 1: Increased Knowledge of U.S. Democracy
• Outcome 2: Enhanced Leadership Skills: Participants will demonstrate improved leadership skills in public speaking and negotiation.
• Outcome 3: Increased Civic Engagement Intentions: After the program, participants will express a stronger intention to engage in civic activities (e.g., volunteering, contacting elected officials, and participating in community meetings).
• Outcome 4: Increased Cross-Cultural Understanding: Participants will demonstrate increased cross-cultural understanding, and ability to identify and analyze cultural differences between the U.S. and Palestine.
• Outcome 5: Networking: Participants will establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals and organizations in the U.S. working on issues related to democracy and good governance.