Anwar Ahmed Al-Hadaris, from the Tafila Governorate in southern Jordan, often felt unmotivated and uncertain about how to channel her skills into something meaningful. Before joining the Youth Connect programme, she had a lot of free time but didn’t know how to use it in a way that would make a difference.
At her very first introduction to Youth Connect, Anwar realised that the programme’s mission deeply resonated with her own hopes and aspirations. The welcome session was a day full of energy, new experiences and self-discovery and Anwar did not hesitate to sign up.
And it wasn’t long before Anwar knew she had found her true calling. The programme not only showed her how to identify challenges in her community but also empowered her to approach them with creativity and bold, innovative solutions. For instance, the programme delved into topics such as addiction to playing video games, a widespread issue in the community. It also helped identify issues, causes and sought to provide the tools to solve these issues in the community.
It was far more than just a programme, it became a transformative journey that reshaped her thinking, developed her time management skills, and deepened her self-awareness. Through this experience, she gained the confidence to communicate more effectively, unlocking a new version of herself - ready to make a lasting impact.
One transformative moment in her journey was during her work on the ‘Play consciously’ initiative, where she provided guidance and raised awareness to children and the wider community about the best use of electronic devices, including healthy time limits. This experience inspired her to set up a podcast for children, aimed at providing meaningful content in a simple style that resonates with their lives.
But, the positive impact did not stop there. This experience opened new doors for her and has inspired her to do more podcasts., She also secured a part-time job as a co-ordinator for student activities at a school. This was not just a job; it was an extension of her passion for working with children and making a positive change in their lives.
‘Through my participation in the Youth Connect programme, I realised that every small step can make a big impact, and that true passion is not discovered by waiting, but through experience, creating opportunities, and striving for change.’