2019-2021
The National Center for Culture and Arts (NCCA) implemented the project aimed at strengthening the resilience and raising awareness of Syrian youth to the negative impact of radicalism using interactive theatre. The project also provided capacity-building workshops in Theatre Based Techniques, Psychosocial Awareness Training, and Maslow's hierarchy of needs for Syrian and Jordanian mentors to enable them to deliver workshops in Zaatari and Azraq refugee camps. These workshops were aimed at increasing the resilience of youth against violent extremism and recruitment.
The project has implemented over two phases:
The first phase of the project focused on research and theatrical production. The Information and Research Centre (IRC) conducted studies and a field survey to identify the main causes of violence and its impact on individual and community levels. This phase culminated in the production of "The Weakest Link," an interactive play that explores the challenges that face vulnerable and marginalized youth. Through compelling real stories of four characters, where each is faced with dire life situation that causes them confusion and a dilemma in making the right choices which may lead to an unknown fate.
In the second phase, the project shifted towards training and capacity building. 20 youths from South Amman and Rusaifa were trained in creative writing and Theatre Based Techniques at the NCCA in Amman and King Abdullah Cultural Centre in Zarqa. They developed and performed two plays addressing social issues like violence, poverty, and women's rights. Additionally, 60 mentors were trained to conduct workshops for 2,000 Syrian youth in the refugee camps, emphasizing civic engagement, leadership skills, and community cohesion. These workshops aimed to empower the youth to take active roles in their communities and develop constructive responses to grievances.
The project's outcomes, as evidenced by the post-assessment report, indicate significant increases in awareness among the youth about the causes and impacts of radicalization. The interactive plays not only corrected misconceptions about radicalization but also highlighted the crucial role of family and social connections in preventing extremism.
