Young women participating in the Nidaa’ for Change project launched the initiative “Drug Prevention in Schools,” marking the sixth youth-led initiative under the project. The initiative comes as part of the project’s efforts to support safer, more inclusive learning environments and strengthen girls’ leadership and community engagement.
The initiative began with an interactive awareness session for schoolgirls in Amman. The session focused on drug prevention, as well as appropriate educational and legal approaches for responding to suspected cases within the school setting. Delivered through a participatory approach, the session was facilitated by Adv Rami Quweider, Legal Advisor at the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), in collaboration with the young women leading the initiative. The young women also delivered interactive activities aimed at raising awareness and encouraging critical thinking among students.
This initiative aligns with ARDD’s Education Strategy and Program, and its efforts to strengthen community partnerships and contribute to national efforts to protect groups most at risk, particularly adolescents and youth. It also supports the implementation of the National Strategy for Drug Prevention (2024–2026) and reflects ARDD’s role as a founding member of The National Alliance for Combating Narcotics in Jordan.
Alaa Danoun (18), one of the young women leading the initiative, shared:
“This initiative was an important experience for me. It helped me develop my public speaking skills and become more confident, which also had a positive impact on my academic performance.”
She added, “Our goal was not only to provide information, but to respond to the concerning signs we have recently observed in schools. We wanted to raise awareness among our peers and strengthen their ability to protect themselves, because we believe awareness is the first line of defense.”
The initiative highlights the value of structured youth-led action that connects with national priorities and reinforces the importance of collaboration between civil society and relevant stakeholders to promote safer school environments.
Nidaa’ for Change is implemented by ARDD as part of the IGNITE – Inspiring Girls and Grassroots Networks for Inclusive and Quality Education project, supported by the Rene Moawad Foundation (RMF), funded by the French Development Agency (AFD), and supported by the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The project targets girls aged 15–19 from refugee and marginalized communities in Amman and Mafraq.
