From the Countryside to the Decision Makers’ Agenda

By: Ibtihaj Al-Ba’oul — Member of Safe Political Youth Space (Rif Youth Space)

My participation in the Rif Youth Political Space project was an exceptional experience that marked a turning point in my perspective on the role of youth in decision-making, especially in rural communities like Ajloun Governorate. Through this project, implemented by the Change Mediators Center for Sustainable Development in Ajloun, we were given the opportunity to learn, discuss, and present our vision regarding the most pressing challenges facing rural youth—chief among them unemployment and the lack of local development opportunities.

During the project stages, we underwent intensive training on drafting public policy papers and understanding the mechanisms of communication with decision-makers. In collaboration with a group of youth from various areas of Ajloun, we prepared a policy paper entitled:

“Ajloun Between the Reality of Unemployment and Prospects for Development”
The paper focused on analyzing the reality of unemployment in the governorate from its economic and social aspects. It reviewed the main obstacles hindering the investment of youth energies, such as poor transportation in rural areas, limited vocational training, and the scarcity of sustainable economic opportunities.

The paper also included a set of practical recommendations, most notably:

• Redirecting development project allocations to include productive sectors in rural areas.

• Activating the role of municipalities in supporting small and medium enterprises for youth.

• Developing the public transportation system to connect villages with industrial zones.

• Directing vocational training centers toward specialties demanded by the local labor market.

• Launching a local online platform to connect youth with job and training opportunities.

What made the experience unique was that we did not stop at preparing the paper theoretically; we were given the opportunity to present it before decision-makers from the government and the parliament during the dialogue sessions organized by the Change Mediators Center. It was a moment of pride when I saw our recommendations being seriously discussed and treated as a compass to guide efforts toward improving the reality of youth in our governorate.

I felt that the voice of the countryside had finally reached the halls of decision-making, and that youth are capable of providing real solutions stemming from their own reality, not from closed offices. This participation gave me greater confidence that political and community work is not the exclusive domain of elites but a responsibility for every young person who believes in their ability to effect change.

Conclusion:
When I look back on the discussion and presentation sessions before the deputies, I feel pride and gratitude because our voice as rural youth is no longer marginalized. I have learned that change begins with an idea and that participation makes a difference. The Rif Youth Space project gave me hope that Ajloun—and all rural Jordan—is capable of progress as long as its youth believe that development is a right, not a distant dream.