Ahmed’s commitment to making a difference led him to join the Pioneers for Development Organization in 2017, assuming the role of director for the southern region of Libya. It was there that he got involved with the British Council’s Linataawan programme.
Linataawan is co-funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with ACTED and CILG-VNG International. Its aim is to support Libyan citizens to participate in local development and decision-making.
Ahmed’s focus within the programme is Atsaq, an urban and municipal development project. Through participatory planning, community engagement and effective prioritisation, Atsaq aims to support and enhance the municipality of Al-Awaynat.
‘Atsaq envisions a collective journey where all stakeholders stand together to navigate towards a better future,’ Ahmed explains.
Atsaq ran from October 2022 until May 2023, training 23 people from local authorities and the community in open and collaborative dialogue. Together, participants then identified and recorded Al-Awaynat’s priorities for 2023–24.
The project led to the effective renovation of doctors' residences, which addressed critical healthcare needs stemming from challenges faced since 2011. This meant that Al-Awaynat could host doctors and make medical care more accessible to its citizens.
For Ahmed, Atsaq was a unique and valuable experience. As well as bringing people together, it encouraged a shift toward openness and active listening. ‘This project has provided me with a genuine opportunity for self-development,’ he notes.
Atsaq and Linataawan are just one example of our commitment to fostering positive change through community engagement and sustainable development.