Desert Bloom’s young staff and volunteers shared their experience in Spain about sustainable living.

Ten young people of Desert Bloom shared the experiences gained from their participation in the Youth Exchange that was hosted by Permacultura Cantabria in Cantabria, Spain from 18-25 Oct. 2022. The exchange was under “PEACE: Psychological and Eco-social Aspects of Climate Change” project.

They young people highlighted the risks of climate change on our physical and mental survival on front of 40 people in a URI Faith for Earth workshop held in Dec. 2022. They tackled daily habits that accelerating climate change. The made it clear that our lifestyle choices matter. They impact the world around us, hence, it is everyone responsibility to stop hearting our one and one planet. We all need to make our lives more environmentally friendly by greening our lives toward “Zero Waste” lifestyle”, said Shaden Hayari. She also gave example on how to practice the 5 principles of Zero Waste (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot) on our daily life. Moreover, Mutaz, Rama and Ahmad shared some ecological farming and sustainability practices, including biobuilding, Rainwater harvesting, storage heating stoves and recycling the waste oil into a fuel. All these practices they had learn during their visit to an ecological farm in Cantabria.

"A Journey to Media and Cultural Learning" in Germany - September 2023

In the continued pursuit of the "A Journey to Media and Cultural Literacy" project, following the successful inaugural visit by Tomorrow Together - Germany to Jordan, Desert Bloom for Training & Sustainable Development embarked on a mission to Germany to advance the project's objectives. The project was generously funded by ifa (Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen) under the CCP Synergy program, which promotes cooperative partnerships among civil society organizations. It aimed to explore the influence of media communication on culture while championing Sustainable Development Goal no. 17, fostering global partnerships.

During the trip, we engaged in meaningful interactions with like-minded organizations and cultural institutions in Bonn, Frankfurt, Cologne, and Berlin. Our itinerary included:

• Our History. Germany since 1945 - A permanent exhibition in Bonn.
• Seraji Foundation Bonn: We explored potential collaborations in hosting volunteers, Arabic language courses, Erasmus Plus programs, group ESC projects, cultural programs, and more.
• Haus der Integration, Bonn. We gained insights into their community action initiatives and best practices in integration. We also learned about their Paper Magazine "Die Grenze" and the foundation's online news portal "our-voice-online."
• Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg (University of Applied Sciences) - Discussions centered around potential cooperation in Capacity-building projects are international cooperation projects under Erasmus Plus and cooperation in the field of student exchanges.
• Museum Koenig (Natural History Museum)
• The Cologne Central Mosque
• Cologne Cathedral
• United Religions Initiative (URI) Office in Bonn
• Deutsche Muslim-Liga Bonn e.V.
• Refugee families in Berlin - We had the honor of meeting two refugee families in Berlin, gaining insights into their refugee journeys and how they successfully integrated into German society.

In summary, Desert Bloom's visit to Germany accomplished the following objectives:

- Forging robust partnerships

- Sharing innovative ideas

- Enhancing our understanding of cultural variances in media consumption and addressing core challenges.

"Healthy Potter and the Chamber of Emotions" Youth Exchange - August 2023

Desert Bloom participated in "Healthy Potter and the Chamber of Emotions" youth exchange hosted by Nordstadjugend a.s.b.l. in Luxembourg, spanning from August 18th to August 27th, 2023. This inspiring project was made possible through co-funding from the Erasmus+ program.

The exchange brought together a diverse group of 25 young individuals, aged 18 to 26, including five members from Desert Bloom. The remaining 20 participants hailed from Luxembourg, Sweden, Italy, and Slovenia. Set against the backdrop of the enchanting Luxembourg City, this program had a primary focus on nurturing mental health and promoting self-care, fostering artistic creativity through activities like pottery and poetry slam. Beyond just guiding a group, it aimed to establish a secure space for open discussions on mental health, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.

This exchange successfully achieved its core objectives: a) Raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues. b) Facilitating open and constructive discussions about mental well-being. c) Enabling the effective sharing of diverse cultural perspectives on mental health. d) Cultivating a supportive and inclusive environment for all participants.

The program featured a comprehensive range of activities and events that effectively addressed mental health while promoting cross-cultural understanding:

1. Mental Health Workshops: Leaders and participants from each country conducted workshops, sharing insights and strategies to enhance well-being.
2. Sharing Personal Stories: Participants were encouraged to share their own experiences with mental health challenges, fostering empathy and support.
3. Cultural Reflections: The program explored the cultural dimensions of mental health, emphasizing different societies' approaches and practices.
4. Creative Expression: Art, music, and various creative outlets served as therapeutic tools, allowing participants to express themselves and manage stress.
5. Group Discussions: Facilitated group discussions encouraged open dialogue about mental health, ensuring that diverse perspectives were heard and respected.

Testimonial by Rama Al-odat, Leader of the Jordanian Team:

Navigating the complexities of leadership while representing Jordan taught me invaluable lessons in communication, adaptability, and collaboration. Witnessing the team's enthusiasm and dedication to raising awareness about mental health in our unique way has been profoundly rewarding. Interacting with participants from diverse countries not only expanded my cultural awareness but also deepened my appreciation for the beauty of diverse perspectives. Engaging in discussions, sharing stories, and collaborating on projects underscored the significance of fostering global connections.

As a team, we've exchanged not just knowledge but heartfelt stories, breaking down stereotypes and forging authentic connections. This experience has enriched the lives of all involved while contributing to the reduction of the stigma surrounding mental health and the promotion of well-being on a global scale. It has been an overwhelmingly positive and enlightening experience for everyone.

I am immensely grateful to Desert Bloom for entrusting me with the role of the Jordanian team leader in this exchange. This opportunity has been a profound and enriching experience, allowing me to grow as a leader and foster meaningful connections with participants from diverse backgrounds. The dedication of Desert Bloom to promoting intercultural understanding and personal development is truly commendable, and I am thankful for the chance to be a part of it. This experience has broadened my horizons and taught me the importance of fostering understanding and cooperation on a global scale. Thank you, Desert Bloom, for this invaluable opportunity.

Read more

We are delighted to present the 2nd newsletter of the project: "PEACE: Psychological and Ecosocial Aspects of Climate Change" (Erasmus-Youth-2021-CB-101051323).

Discover the progress of our project and its exciting updates. In this newsletter you will find:

Information about what PEACE is.

What we have done so far.

And... what lies ahead.

Attached is the Arabic version of the Newsletter. For English version just click the below link

https://drive.google.com/.../17PRovMVVdthJ.../view...

Don't miss it out.

PEACE Project partners are pleased to announce the launch of the audiobook version of "From Negativity to Activity" guide which aims to provide youth workers with the knowledge and resources they need to support young people in addressing the complex and multifaceted challenges of climate change.

Just click here to listen to the English version of the audiobook:

https://youtube.com/playlist...

This audiobook is an output part of the project "PEACE: Psychological and eco-social aspects of climate change" (Erasmus-Youth-2021-CB-101051323). Co-funded by the European Union, under Erasmus Plus, KA2 Capacity Building in the field of Youth. 

PEACE Project Partners

• Permacultura Cantabria, Spain

• Desert Bloom, Jordan

• Associazione Agrado, Italy

• Education Innovators Kosova, Kosovo

#peace #peaceproject #climatechange #globalwarming #environment #sustainability #climateaction #savetheplanet #nasa #PermaculturaCantabria #associazioneagrado #eikosovo

“How to help young migrants” expert Seminar, 5-12 June 2023,  Gdansk, Poland

Desert Bloom recently participated in the "How to Help Young Migrants" expert seminar, co-founded by the European Union under Erasmus+ KA153-YOU. The seminar took place in Gdansk, Poland, and was hosted by Zespół Szkół Technicznych CentrumKształcenia Zawodowego wRusocinie. The event focused on exploring innovative methods of working with young migrants and refugees to facilitate their integration into hosting societies through formal and informal education. It also provided unique opportunities to expand participants' experiences in cross-cultural collaboration and cultural diversity. The seminar comprised several components:

1. Study visits to primary and secondary schools operating in the Poviat Gdański were organized to learn about working with youth of migrant origin through formal and informal education. School teachers presented their integration methods and approaches for young refugees from Ukraine to become part of the local community.
2. Meetings with the authorities of the Poviat Gdański were held to gain insights into their practices in creating migrant-friendly formal and informal education environments.
3. Valuable tools were shared during the seminar for conducting intercultural education sessions that aid in the integration of young refugees from diverse backgrounds.
4. Word-Cafe sessions were conducted to facilitate the exchange of experiences and create safe spaces for discussions.
5. Sightseeing and cultural trips were arranged to provide participants with a deeper understanding of Pomerania's architecture, culture, and traditions. The itinerary included visits to the European Solidarity Center, the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk, guided tours of the historic center of Gdańsk, as well as trips to Gdynia and Sopot.

For more information about the project, watch this video created by Hadeel:

https://youtu.be/nqSPPsPEyOg

Testimony of Hadeel from Desert Bloom:

We are grateful to the Erasmus+ program for enabling cross-Mediterranean cooperation among NGOs. The training allowed us to exchange experiences and practices, preparing our youth for real-life challenges. We practiced language skills, learned to initiate ideas, and embraced diverse cultures. We appreciate the Polish educational system, the warm hospitality of local authorities, professors, students, and the mayor. All visits were well-organized and breathtaking. The training had a positive impact, fostering cooperation, communication, and goal achievement. Erasmus+ empowered us to gain experience, share knowledge, and contribute to our local societies. We extend our gratitude to everyone who made us feel at home. We look forward to more projects for a better future.

Resilience & youth work, Study Visit, Jordan, from 4 -12 June 2023

Desert Bloom hosted a Study Visit on Resilience and Youthwork in Jordan coordinated by Stowarzyszenie Rodziców i Opiekunów Działających na rzecz Dzieci Niepełnosprawnych w Czersku (Poland) in cooperation with ASOCIATIA BEYOND (Romania). The study visit, which was co-funded by the European Union under Erasmus Plus, gathered 33 social workers, youth leaders, educational and career counsellors, teachers, general educators, trainers, mentors, coaches from ten countries (Jordan, Poland, Georgia, Portugal, Romania, Latvia, Tunisia, Palestine, Germany and Lithuania). It aimed at contributing to healthier and more resilient communities through the five factors that underpin resilience in individual, community, and national levels: (1) connection, (2) communication, (3) confidence, (4) competence, and (5) control.
The study raised awareness of the increasing demand for mental health services caused by current global issues, including climate change, conflicts, and theCOVID-19 pandemic. It highlighted the significance of psychoeducation for youth workers in improving mental health and building resilience. The study included two learning field visits; the first was to The Royal Health Awareness Society (RHAS “https://rhas.org.jo), where we learnt about their best practices in the field of Mental Health in schools and communities, particularly the Friendship Bench Program. They provided safe places for people to express themselves and provide them with needed services. The second visit was to Souq Fann, the largest online marketplace for handmade products in the Arab world where creative artists come together to make, sell and buy their unique pieces. This social enterprise has empowered thousands of young talented artists.
The participants, in cooperation with URI Office (www.uri-mena.org), honored the World Environment Day- 2023, by sending messages to the world to beat plastic pollution through creative art.

You may check the below video about this study visit:

https://youtu.be/eUmH14mCt7Q

“Unpop that Populism” Youth Exchange, 25 April to 3 May 2023, Marrakesh- Morocco 

The Youth Exchange offered a unique opportunity for 35 young people from Morocco, Jordan, Egypt, Romania, Spain, France, and Turkey to explore realities of populism from different perspectives tackling the commonalities and differences in each country. Also, they learn how to think critically to detect the effects of populism from human rights perspective, particularly the populism that develops a polarizing message dividing people into two groups; the ‘us’ and the ‘them’.

Throughout the exchange, participants were able to develop their competencies (skill, knowledge and attitudes) in the following fields:

• Populism and migration
• Critical thinking
• Shielding from populist discourse in the elections
• Populism awareness 
• Debunking fake information used in populism
• Youth engagement and advocacy

Participants were able to apply what they had learned through designing and executing a series of social media campaigns.

This project was hosted by Coconut work, a network of youth work organizations in Europe and co-funded by the European Union under Erasmus plus Programme.

Testimony of Desert Bloom participants:

Thank you, Desert Bloom, for giving us such a great chance to learn about Populism. We discussed many forms of populism, national realities, populist discourse, and got the chance to do our own campaigns. We enjoyed the Team building activities that built bonds as well as improved communication, collaboration, and cohesion among us. Now, we are able to distinguish different forms of populism and learn how populism haunts the democratic world today. We became aware of how populism can have a left-wing or right-wing agenda and it can range from persuasive politics to a dangerous agenda that creates internal and external conflict, negates climate change and rejects human rights. We also learned how to build our resilience, conduct Advocacy campaigns and to think critically. We had many fruitful discussions; we shared our realities and ideas. On the third day we continued our discussions tackling different national realities and cultures. The intercultural night was unforgettable, we presented different types of populism in our country. Also, we presented different aspects of Jordanian culture; we wore Jordanian traditional dresses, danced the Dabka, and gave out Jordanian Souvenirs. Participants enjoyed Jordanian thyme, spices, arabic gum and the famous Jameed (dried yogurt).

On the fifth day, we did a field visit to Essaouira city. We explored the Moroccan culture and interacted with local community.

The 6th day focuses on populist discourse, how to critically evaluate it and act when hearing fake information. Additionally, four participants delivered their own workshops. We enjoyed the Critical Thinking and “Wheel of life" workshops.

The last two days were dedicated to practicing what we had learned. We were divided into groups and each group was asked to design its own social media campaign. Groups created artistic e-posters with nice messages such as "Be a Global Citizen, Exchange Culture '', " Connect globally, Learn Locally", "So much of who we are is where we have been and who we have met", "Explore new Horizons, Expand your Mind".

Jordan team:

• Mutaz Albaz
• Sara Abdulraheem
• Abdullah Aldaja
• Jude Darwazeh
• Harbi Qarqash

Please check the Exchange video.

https://youtu.be/OC6zFPRt6Ms

Desert Bloom participated in the “Learn how to communicate visually skills” training course that took place in Las Rozas, Madrid, Spain. The five-day training was dedicated to equipping youth educators with the necessary skills and competences to apply visual and graphic tools in their daily work with young people. Through non-formal education methods, the participants were taught how visual and graphic literacy can help to improve communication and overcome language barriers in teamwork. The training promoted the notion that anyone can use visual and graphic facilitation techniques to convey knowledge and overcome creativity barriers.

The expected learning outcomes of the training included creating communication synergies, improving communication skills through literacy, increasing reflective capacity, self-confidence, transfer capacity, and implementing good practices. The participants were expected to use the tools and techniques learned during the training in their daily work with young people at both the local and Euro-Mediterranean levels.

The training consisted of several interesting tools such as working groups, individual groups, exercises using drawings, writings, and more. The participants found the training to be very beneficial in supporting their work in youth and community empowerment.

The training attended by 25 participants came from France, Morocco, Spain, Cyprus, Jordan, Algeria, Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Italy. It was a great success, and we hope to continue offering similar training programs in the future.

"The Art of Mentoring" Training Course, April 2023, in Gyumri, Armenia

The two young ladies; Lorin Samawi and Tala Salman from Desert Bloom, attended the training course " the Art of mentoring", Armenia, from 8th - 15th of April 2023, hosted by YIC Gyumri Youth Initiative Centre NGO, Armenia, under Erasmus plus program (co-funded by European Union)

The project goal is to equip participants with the competencies needed to work as a mentor in international projects and support volunteers. The course focused on developing the core skills of mentoring, active listening, creative thinking. Also, we tackled conflict and crisis management and being able to understand and express emotions.

PEACE - Psychological and Eco-social Aspects of Climate ChangE (ERASMUS-YOUTH-2021-CB-101051323)

Newsletter Nº 1.

What PEACE is about?

Climate change is usually taught only from the environmental point of view yet it involves a plethora of other issues that are usually overlooked.

The main theme of the project PEACE, Psychological and Eco-social Aspects of Climate ChangE, as well as its main activities and deliverables, is organised around the following 4 climate-change related blocks according to the partners’ expertise:

1. From Climate Change to Climate Emergency: Environmental Side

2. From Eco-anxiety to Eco-involvement: Emotional Side

3. From Separation to Collaboration: Social and Community side

4. From Social networks to Social work-in-net: Digitalisation side

What is already done?

On the 2nd and 3rd February 2022, the first transnational meeting took place online (it was not possible to organise it in Kosovo due to COVID-19 pandemic) to officially start the project. Representatives from the 4 entities involved attended the meeting. They reviewed the 3 work packages together and stablish the work plan for the first months.

Between 12th and 20th May 2022, it was held the 8-days training course in Jordan that was attended by 24 youth workers. Thanks to the training, participants have become aware of the causes and consequences of climate change. They explored the possible actions and movements on all levels to face their main challenges. The course contributed to building the capacity of the project partners in the four sides related to Climate Change: Environmental Side, Emotional Side, Social and Community side and Digitalisation side. Participants were able to acknowledge and manage their feelings about climate change, while developed new tools and strategies to protect the

environment. They also agreed to raise their voices about climate challenges to create a sense of urgency and break the collective silence in order to create a mindset shift among people utilizing social media and other digital outlets.

From the 18th to the 25th of October, 2022 Permacultura Cantabria hosted the Youth Exchange in Cantabria (Spain), which brought together 44 young people from Spain, Italy, Jordan and Kosovo. The program included practical eco-actions for youth to follow in their own daily lives, regarding environment, climate change, sustainability and emotional management. The main objectives were:

• To share the best practices and techniques regarding the environmental actions and local initiatives projects with ecological approach
• To transfer the methodologies acquired during the project to youth people and youth leaders
• To run and live in a practical way the 7 Days Challenge

On December 15-16, 2022 the 2nd Project Meeting of the project was held online to evaluate the work done in the first year and prepare the upcoming Interim report.

What is next?

Publication of the Interactive Guide

The methods elaborated and used in our Training activities and the global problems raised by our project will be gathered in an interactive Guide for youth workers entitled “From Negativity to Activity: Psychological, Eco-Social and Digital Aspects of Youth Work related to Climate Change”.

In our Guide the climate paradigm is broadened and consider the social, emotional and digital side. We also put diversity in the spotlight, converting the ¨weaknesses¨ into advantages. It is containing alternative teaching methods based on non-formal and informal education.

The Interactive Guide will be available in 2 versions: as a Guide and an Audiobook, both in 5 different languages: English, Spanish, Italian, Albanian and Arabic.

The English version will be available soon on the project site: https://www.permaculturacantabria.com/peace/