Lujain, from Zarqa City in Jordan, never expected a simple experience could shift her perspective, but that's exactly what happened when she joined the Youth Connect programme. It all started at an event hosted by the Naya Community Network, where she saw young people engaging in meaningful conversations about change and community impact. Feeling inspired, she wasted no time applying and embarked on this transformative journey.
At first, she saw it as just another group activity, a space for discussing ideas. But as time passed, she found herself surrounded by passionate, driven young people eager to make a real difference in their community. It quickly became clear that this was more than just conversation – it was about action, collaboration, and engaging in deep discussions.
Learning to work with a group of young people with diverse backgrounds and experiences wasn’t easy, particularly as this was her first time participating in such an initiative. She discovered that became frustrated when others disagreed with her. But gradually she began to see things differently. She learned that every disagreement was an opportunity to understand someone else's story, and that true growth comes from embracing differences, not avoiding them. This shift in mindset became one of the most profound changes she experienced during the programme
But the impact didn’t stop with there. Lujain wanted to share what she had learned with others. She started offering English language sessions to young people in her community through Blue English initiative. At first, she felt nervous and overwhelmed by the responsibility, but something inside her drove her to continue. She became more committed, honed her time-management skills, and realised that her role wasn’t just about personal growth – it was about helping others do the same. This led her to create an English conversation club, offering a space for young people to connect and learn.
Today, she looks back at her journey with pride. She has transformed into a calmer, more understanding individual, deeply aware of the social issues surrounding her. Most importantly, she now believes that real change starts with the individual. Her future is focused on empowering youth, helping them discover their own potential to make a lasting impact, just as she has done.
‘I have learned that everyone has their own story and circumstances, and that disagreement doesn’t mean conflict; it’s an opportunity to understand more.’ Lujain, Youth Connect participant, Jordan