The Y-WISE (Youth Work, Identity, Solidarity & Empowerment) study visit in Kosovo was an inspiring and dynamic international study visit that brought together passionate youth workers from across Europe and neighboring regions. Held from October 24–30, 2025, the program took place in Pristina, Prizren, and Rugova (Peja) — three diverse and culturally rich locations that offered unique perspectives on youth work, identity formation, and community empowerment.

The Y-WISE study visit aimed to strengthen the competencies of youth workers through the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and innovative tools in a cross-cultural setting. Participants deepened their understanding of youth engagement, intercultural dialogue, and regional cooperation.

Key themes included:

• Youth Work: Exploring diverse methodologies and legal frameworks, with emphasis on the reception of unaccompanied minors and youth empowerment.

• Identity, Solidarity & Empowerment: Reflecting on how these concepts shape inclusive youth policies in Kosovo’s post-conflict context.

• Mutual Learning: Sharing experiences and insights to improve youth work practices at local and European levels.

• Regional Cooperation: Building strong partnerships among organizations from Austria, Poland, Turkey, Lithuania, Italy, Croatia, Jordan, Armenia, Serbia, Palestine and the host country Kosovo.

The program blended structured learning, hands-on exploration, and cultural engagement to ensure both theoretical and practical insights. It included site visits to local NGOs, youth centers, and social enterprises, observing Kosovo’s vibrant civic landscape. The UPSHIFT program, empowering youth to transform community challenges into social innovations, stood out as an inspiring example of practical empowerment. Also, we had interactive sessions, team-building activities. The cultural engagement enriched the learning experience — from scavenger hunt in Pristina and historical explorations in Prizren to moments of reflection in the Rugova Mountains. These experiences deepened our appreciation of Kosovo’s heritage and resilience while strengthening group bonds.

The Study Visit organized by Jugendzentrum Perg, Austria and hosted by Kosovo Education Innovators, Kosovo and cofunded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Programme.

Personal Reflections of Smair Shahatit, Jordan

For me, the Y-WISE experience was much more than a professional exchange; it was a journey of personal and collective growth. Coming from Jordan, where youth under 30 years of age represents above 60% of the population, I was particularly inspired by the resilience and optimism of Kosovo’s youth sector. Despite the challenges of a post-conflict environment, I witnessed how local young people take ownership of their communities with creativity, courage, and hope.

One of the most memorable moments was a group dialogue with young activists who had initiated a local art and education project. Their stories reminded me that youth work is not only about guidance but about co-creation — walking alongside young people as they shape their futures.

I also appreciated how the group dynamic evolved during the week. Our shared meals, cultural exchanges, and informal conversations built genuine solidarity across borders. By the end of the program, we were no longer just participants — we were a network of allies committed to advancing youth empowerment at the European and regional levels.

PeakED Regional Youth Camp Workshop (5): From Learning to Action & Transnational Dialogue

Salt, Jordan – 4 October 2025

Youth Turn Learning into Action for Mountain Resilience

The fifth and final workshop of the PeakED Regional Youth Camp: Empowering Youth for Sustainable Mountain Futures brought participants together for a hands-on learning experience under the theme “From Learning to Action & Transnational Dialogue.”

Held on Salt Mountain, the workshop allowed young participants to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges by implementing a Food Forest project—planting 30 native cactus trees to enhance biodiversity, restore soil health, and strengthen the mountain’s resilience. They also explored traditional water-harvesting techniques, such as pear-shaped cisterns, to promote sustainable water management in arid areas.

Following the fieldwork, participants engaged in a transnational dialogue exploring global and regional initiatives from India, Morocco, Greece, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The exchange highlighted how youth-led and community-based actions can contribute to global mountain conservation efforts. The session concluded with a shared commitment to translate these insights into sustainable projects within their own communities.

PeakED Regional Youth Camp: Workshop 4 “Innovation & Sustainable Solutions Workshop”

Amman – October 2, 2025

The fourth PeakED Regional Youth Camp workshop focused on empowering Jordanian youth to innovate for sustainable mountain futures.

Building on previous sessions, participants explored how creativity, entrepreneurship, and circular thinking can address Jordan's pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges. Through hands-on design thinking activities and case studies, the youth learned to transform local problems into scalable, sustainable solutions that support mountain livelihoods and ecosystems.

Discussions began with a reminder of why mountains matter — as vital sources of freshwater, biodiversity, and tourism income. Yet, as one participant noted, “We cannot take mountains for granted—they are our lifeline.” Participants then explored why innovation is essential for a country facing water scarcity, unemployment, and environmental pressures. Trainer Dana emphasized, “Innovation is not about waiting for perfect conditions—it is about finding ways forward with what we have.”

The workshop showcased local success stories of youth-led entrepreneurship, including olive waste repurposed into incense in Ma’an, rooftop agriculture in Amman, food forest projects and hydroponic farming in Jerash. Facilitators also introduced the circular economy model, encouraging participants to rethink consumption and waste through examples like transforming olive residues into cosmetics or recycling tires and plastics into new materials.

Using design thinking, youth teams developed creative prototypes tackling issues such as waste management, water conservation, sustainable farming, and renewable energy. Proposed ideas included mobile apps for waste collection, rooftop water-saving systems, and community composting initiatives.

Concluding the session, facilitator Sara highlighted the spirit of the camp: “Sustainability starts with small, creative steps. Each idea we test brings us closer to resilient communities.”

The outcomes of this workshop will feed into the camp’s final workshop, “From Learning to Action & Transnational Dialogue,” where participants will refine their prototypes and collaborate on cross-border sustainability projects.

PeakED Regional Youth Camp- 3rd Workshop

Youth Tackle Climate Change & Mountain Resilience at PeakED Regional Youth Camp
Amman, Jordan – 28 September 2025
The third workshop of the PeakED Regional Youth Camp: Climate Change & Resilience in Mountain Areas was held at the Desert Bloom office in Amman, focusing on the urgent challenges of climate change in Jordan’s mountain areas. Facilitators emphasized that mountains are vital lifelines—providing water, biodiversity, and clean air—yet face growing pressures from mining, tourism, overgrazing, and climate change impacts such as declining snow cover, flash floods, and biodiversity loss.
Through group exercises and debates, youth participants explored practical solutions for resilience, including regulating aquaculture in sensitive ecosystems, improving water quality monitoring, reducing agricultural runoff, and promoting sustainable ecotourism. A case study on fish stocking sparked critical dialogue on balancing food security and jobs with ecosystem protection.
Concluding the session, young participants affirmed their commitment to safeguarding Jordan’s mountains, stressing that resilient mountains mean resilient communities—and that youth have a central role in driving solutions for a sustainable future.

Jordanian Youth Step Up for Local Sustainability and Co-Governance
 

As part of the PeakED Regional Youth Camp: Empowering Youth for Sustainable Mountain Futures, the second workshop, “Youth Participation & Co-Governance: Active Citizenship for Local Sustainability”, was held on 18 September 2025. The event brought together young leaders and experts from across Jordan to reimagine the role of youth—from passive beneficiaries to active co-creators—in shaping local environmental solutions.

With 26% of Jordan’s population aged 16–30, participants were recognized as a vital but underutilized force in addressing some of the country’s most urgent environmental challenges:

1. Water scarcity and mismanagement – Jordan ranks among the world’s most water-scarce nations, with challenges intensified by drought and over-extraction.

2. Deforestation and loss of natural vegetation.

3. Urbanization and infrastructure expansion in mountain and rural areas.

4. Soil erosion and land degradation.

5. Biodiversity loss.

6. Unsustainable agricultural practices.

Interactive Learning and Youth-Led Solutions

The workshop used a participatory, hands-on approach to engage participants through:

• Stakeholder Mapping using the Power–Interest Grid.

• Simulation Games replicating local decision-making processes.

• World Café Dialogues, where small groups co-developed practical ideas for youth-led climate action.

Youth Priorities and Recommendations

From these sessions, participants identified key priorities to strengthen youth involvement in local governance:

• Greater transparency and communication between municipalities and youth.

• Formal youth representation on local councils and advisory boards.

• Micro-grants to support youth-led sustainability initiatives.

• Leadership, project design, and community engagement training.

• Stronger cross-sector partnerships with schools, NGOs, and local businesses.

From Dialogue to Action

The workshop concluded with a Civic Action Challenge, where participants designed quick-impact initiatives, including clean-up drives, climate awareness campaigns, and youth-led consultations with municipal officials.

Looking Ahead

This workshop was more than a learning experience—it was a call to action. Organizers reaffirmed their commitment to advancing youth participation in local governance and environmental planning. As Jordan continues reforming its governance structures, one message was clear:

Youth are not the leaders of tomorrow—they are leading today.

PeakED is an EU-funded initiative empowering youth to safeguard mountain ecosystems through innovative methods, including the Living Laboratories (LLs) approach, which highlights the importance of conserving these fragile landscapes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7vq921s4_I

#PeakED #Erasmus #InnovationHive

The PeakED Regional Youth Camp officially launched in Salt with its first workshop, "Mountain Identity & Community Asset Mapping," gathering youth aged 18–30 from across Jordan to explore the cultural and ecological significance of mountain landscapes.

Organized under the EU-funded PeakED project, and led by the Desert Bloom team, the workshop introduced participants to the Living Lab approach—a model that combines hands-on learning, community engagement, and real-world sustainability challenges.

Youth began with a guided hike through Salt’s surrounding mountains, observing key environmental and cultural features like terraced farms, natural springs, and traditional shrines. This was followed by youth-led interviews with local elders, artisans, and farmers, capturing traditional knowledge and stories tied to mountain life.

In small groups, participants mapped local assets, analyzed tourism and land-use data, and engaged in a discussion on what sustainability means from a local perspective—emphasizing values like balance, cultural continuity, and intergenerational responsibility.

The workshop sets the stage for four upcoming sessions focused on co-governance, climate resilience, sustainable innovation, and action planning. Organizers praised the youth’s energy and commitment, calling the session a strong foundation for building a new generation of mountain stewards.

“It’s not just about learning—it’s about building a community of young changemakers,” said one facilitator.

#PeakedErasmus

Peaked Erasmus

#innovationhive

"Back to Nature 4.0" Youth Exchange, Rathen, Germany, August 2025

Rathen, Germany — For ten days, young people from across Europe and Jordan gathered in the breathtaking natural environment region of Rathen, Germany, for the "Back to Nature 4.0" youth exchange. The project, which took place from August 5th to August 15th, focused on the intersection of mental well-being, nature, and civic engagement.

In a world filled with constant digital noise, political instability, and social pressures, many young people feel overwhelmed and disconnected. "Back to Nature 4.0" was designed to be a space to counter that, allowing participants to slow down and reconnect with themselves, with nature, and with their peers.

The program balanced personal development with active citizenship. Through workshops, hikes, and creative activities, participants learned practical tools to manage stress and build resilience. These included mindfulness practices, movement-based exercises, and time spent immersed in the outdoors.

At the same time, the exchange encouraged participants to see themselves as changemakers. Discussions and collaborative projects explored how to get involved in democratic life and create positive impact in their communities without experiencing burnout.

A key component of the exchange was the opportunity for intercultural learning. Young people from various countries and backgrounds shared their stories and perspectives on societal issues. This exchange of ideas fostered a sense of community, empathy, and mutual understanding, challenging participants' perspectives and providing them with new motivation to take back home.

"Back to Nature 4.0" successfully empowered participants to strengthen their personal well-being while also boosting their capacity for civic engagement, proving that you can take care of yourself while working to create a better world.

Rayan Khreisat, a young member of Desert Bloom, shares his reflections on the "Back to Nature 4.0" exchange:

The outdoor activities in Rathen was one of the most beautiful moments I've ever lived in nature. The weather was perfect—cool, refreshing air, and the scenery around me looked like a living painting. With every step, I was surrounded by dense trees, sparkling streams weaving through stones, and the constant song of birds.

With every meter hike, I discovered a new, breathtaking view. Sometimes we walked along winding dirt paths, and other times we crossed wooden bridges over crystal-clear water.

There were moments of fatigue, especially on the uphill sections, but the fresh air and the magic of nature made every effort worthwhile. While we stopped to take photos and drink water, the best moment came when we reached a high viewpoint. The panoramic scene was simply unforgettable. It felt like a reward for every step we had taken.

https://youtu.be/8KF-o3XoXE4

An Authentic Bedouin Experience in Jordan's Desert

Two volunteers from Desert Bloom, Patryk Pacana and Krzysztof Czarski, recently embarked on an immersive journey to explore the Bedouin heritage of southern Jordan. They were hosted in Udruh, a village in the Badia region, where they were given a unique glimpse into the daily life and traditions of the Bedouin community.

The trip was a chance for the volunteers to experience the Bedouins' deep connection to their desert home firsthand. The Badia, a stunning desert crossroads for ancient civilizations, provided the perfect backdrop for their visit. There, they learned how the environment has shaped the community's incredible resilience and traditional way of life. At the heart of Bedouin culture is karam, or generosity, and the volunteers were treated with immense warmth and respect.

Patryk shared his personal reflections on this experience:

"Staying with Bedouins in southern Jordan is a profound immersion into raw hospitality and ancient desert traditions. From the moment of arrival, we were welcomed with sweet tea and gahwa in woven tents, sharing stories under endless starry skies. Nights echo with music and tales of nomadic life. The experience strips away modern distractions, leaving a deep appreciation for the Bedouins’ generosity, resilience, and connection to the stark beauty of the desert. Departing feels like leaving family, with an enduring sense of timelessness and human warmth."

A significant part of their journey was a deep dive into the Bedouin relationship with their livestock, particularly camels. They learned how these animals are central to Bedouin culture and are cared for as vital resources for transportation and livelihood. They were also astonished by the Bedouins' vast knowledge of the desert, as they navigate the endless sands with a deep, inherited understanding of the land.

Beyond their time in the desert, Patryk and Krzysztof also connected with the broader community, visiting local organizations like the Crown Prince Foundation branch in Maan, the Maan Heritage Museum, and King Hussein University. These visits provided a broader context for the region's rich history and modern development.

https://youtu.be/QwmpzfdRxxA

Desert Bloom Shines at Erasmus+ Digital Skills Exchange in Turkey

KAYSERI, TURKEY – The Desert Bloom team recently returned from the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project "Promoting Digital Skills for Youth to Thrive in Tomorrow’s Job Market," held in Kayseri, Turkey, from July 15–25, 2025. The event brought together youth from nine countries—Jordan, Morocco, Belgium, Georgia, Croatia, Kosovo, Greece, Turkey, and Germany—to address the growing need for digital literacy and cross-cultural collaboration.

The program featured hands-on workshops covering:

• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

• Data Analysis & Visualization

• Digital Marketing & Social Media

• Cybersecurity & Blockchain

• Creative Design & UX/UI

• Entrepreneurship & Project Management

“This wasn’t just theory—it gave us real tools,” said team leader Eyad Al Khraisat. “From SQL to digital entrepreneurship, we gained skills we can apply in our careers and communities.”

Beyond technical training, the exchange fostered deep intercultural understanding. Participants shared traditions through cultural nights and explored the region together, including a memorable visit to Cappadocia.

“What made this experience special was the cultural exchange,” noted delegation reporter Sondos Qaddoura. “Cappadocia reminded us that learning also happens through shared experiences.”

The Desert Bloom team returned to Jordan with not only upgraded digital skills, but also enhanced soft skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership. They expressed gratitude to Desert Bloom, their sending organization, for enabling the transformative journey.

“This project was about more than just skills—it was about empowerment and connection,” Al Khraisat concluded. “We’re inspired to spread digital literacy and innovation at home.”

Discover Your Creative Side – Art Workshop

On August 9, 2025, the URI Office, in collaboration with Desert Bloom, hosted the “Discover Your Creative Side” art workshop—an inspiring evening of creativity, collaboration, and community spirit for participants of all ages.

The workshop began with an introduction to color mixing and shadow techniques, providing a creative foundation for all attendees. Participants were then invited to explore various artistic styles by moving between artworks, each contributing to multiple pieces. This interactive, collective approach encouraged teamwork and resulted in unique, multi-layered creations that reflected a rich diversity of perspectives.

What made this workshop truly special was its inclusive spirit. Children and adults worked side by side, proving that art knows no age or skill limits. Traditional boundaries were broken as ideas, techniques, and creativity blended seamlessly across individuals, strengthening community ties through shared artistic expression.

At the conclusion, participants came together to share the story behind their collaborative masterpiece, shaped by the contributions of 12 individuals.

The workshop was led by distinguished guests:

• Nathalie Arnold – Professor of Anthropology, Literary Arts, and African Studies at Hampshire College
• Soud Qasim – URI and Desert Bloom member
• Sondos Qaddoura – Desert Bloom

This memorable event not only nurtured creativity but also celebrated the power of art to unite and inspire.

https://youtu.be/LtY14C25c38

Empowering Youth for a Healthier Digital Life

In a proactive effort to equip young people with the skills to navigate the complexities of the digital world, Desert Bloom, a member of the URI network in the MENA region, has initiated a series of four hybrid Cultural Café sessions. This initiative, titled "Empowering Youth for a Healthier Digital Life," is designed to prepare volunteers and network members for their engagement in the "DiWeGa – Digital Wellness Guardians" project.

The DiWeGa project is a 36-month Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange initiative, co-funded by the European Union. Its mission is to empower young people aged 18–30 and youth workers to become confident, resilient, and aware digital citizens. The project directly addresses pressing challenges prevalent today, including the negative psychological effects of excessive screen time, cyberbullying, online hate, and the pressure to perform on social media.

The Cultural Café sessions, conducted both via Zoom and in-person, have been meticulously curated to explore critical aspects of digital wellness. The curriculum focuses on four key themes:

• Health and Usage: This session delves into the effects of digital overuse on physical and mental well-being, highlighting the importance of a "digital detox" for a healthier lifestyle.
• Information Management: Participants are guided on how to navigate the digital landscape, focusing on combating misinformation and fake news, and building essential social media literacy.
• Digital Ethics and Safety: This discussion centers on addressing critical privacy concerns, preventing cyberbullying, and combating online harassment.
• Intercultural Virtual Exchange Competence: The final session promotes digital literacy and cultural sensitivity, fostering a respectful and inclusive environment in online spaces.

"Our goal is to provide our youth with the necessary tools to thrive in the digital age, not just survive it," said Mamoun Khreisat, the Founder of Desert Bloom. "These sessions are a foundational step in our commitment to fostering a generation of responsible, safe, and digitally well-versed individuals. We are proud to be a part of the DiWeGa project and contribute to this vital cause."

The initiative marks a significant step for Desert Bloom and the URI network in the MENA region, reinforcing their dedication to the holistic development and empowerment of young people.

https://youtu.be/5gdSW3gOqos

 Introducing DiWeGa – Digital Wellness Guardians

???????? A bold new Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange initiative supporting youth mental health and digital balance across Europe and the Southern Mediterranean!

We’re proud to share the first official newsletter of DiWeGa – a 36-month journey empowering 1,800+ young people and 30 youth workers to become more mindful, resilient, and empathetic digital citizens.

???? What’s inside the newsletter?
✔️ Our mission to support emotional resilience and responsible tech use
✔️ Key project activities: gamified learning platform, youth manifesto, and virtual exchanges
✔️ Meet our incredible partners from Greece ????????, Egypt ????????, Tunisia ????????, Jordan ????????, and Belgium ????????
✔️ Insights into how DiWeGa is shaping a healthier online world through inclusion, empathy, and empowerment

???? Ready to be part of the movement?

https://youtu.be/9UqujHD-iFc?si=d34Kx4o7D7Jo_ulP

hashtag#ErasmusPlus hashtag#YouthEmpowerment hashtag#DigitalWellness hashtag#MentalHealth hashtag#VirtualExchange hashtag#DiWeGa hashtag#DigitalBalance hashtag#YouthProjects hashtag#OnlineSafety hashtag#InterculturalDialogue hashtag#EUProjects hashtag#WellbeingOnline