en.v of Kuwait Creates the Necessary Spaces needed for Successful Community Building Efforts

While the Kuwaiti civil society sector has grown significantly in recent years, particularly as new and creative youth-led initiatives emerge, it continues to face several structural and systemic challenges. These are related to a number of factors including, amongst others, the level of coordination and collaboration between CSOs, the ability to measure long-term impact, the perception and understanding of the role of civil society amongst the general public and other stakeholders, as well as the current regulatory framework and funding mechanisms. In addition Middle East and North Africa region comprises approximately 70 percent of the population as youth. Despite the numerous challenges they face, including unemployment, exposure to extremist ideologies, and limited space to express their aspirations and ideas, many are looking to channel their energy to advance their societies. Here where en.v partakes in designing and implementing several youth empowerment and civil society strengthening projects in Kuwait including Youth Civic Engagement Programs, Creative Minds of Social Good Initiative, Education for Sustainability and and AWAKEN, an inclusive community building project. en.v has crated and enabled the establishment of free spaces where it brought individuals from diverse backgrounds, communities and organizations to develop creative community-driven solutions to pressing social issues and challenges yet in a safe, energizing and sincere atmosphere.

The Creation of Spaces Conductive to Inclusive Community Building

Uniting for Social Innovation

en.v provided safe space, skills building, connections and networks, partnerships support, mentoring and financial support to Kuwait's Civil Society Organizations to better design and deliver inclusive, transparent, and impactful collective impact. “Uniting for Social Innovation” methodology is specifically focused on engaging youth-lead civil society and voluntary organizations as well as students in a setting that allowed for authentic dialogue to emerge between civil society organizations, the community and thought leaders about pressing issues in Kuwait. Using participatory and experiential immersive pedagogy, en.v's AWAKEN project created a safe space for youth to explore their biases and how those impede community-building. Participants experienced authentic interactions with people from different communities, and were able to apply what they learned to the sessions in the Community Lab, a space curated by en.v with different civil society organizations taking lead roles in exploring important social issues in Kuwait and looking for innovative solutions.

Engagement in peaceful, evidence-based and meaningful discussions

Youth as Critical Thinkers and Agents of Change

en.v has trained and instilled 21st century skills needed by youth to act as as critical thinkers and Agents of Social Change within their communities. The Critical Thinking training program designed and implemented by en.v is grounded in trans-formative educational techniques such as inquiry-based learning, problem-solving and experiential learning methods. Participating youths have demonstrated empathy to other perspectives by learning how to reflect on their assumptions and engage in meaningful discussions around topics such as pluralism, tolerance, gender violence, nationality, xenophobia, civic engagement, social entrepreneurship, environment and health. Participating youth of en.v's programs have witnessed increased capacity to disseminate compelling online content that counters violent extremism, hateful discourse and divisive narratives, while promoting peace, tolerance and positive alternatives. Youth are empowered to transform ideas into visual messages (visualizing script) and are now able to develop different styles yet powerful social media video campaigns. en.v's alumni are making a difference in Kuwait no matter what work they have chosen to pursue. The critical skills gained and the ability to hold and appreciate different perspectives combined with a realization of agency was powerful in transforming these youth.

en.v, is a Kuwait-based organization dedicated to fostering social development and civic engagement in the Middle East by empowering individuals and organizations. Its programs focus on building capacity and creating strategic networks among local civil society organizations (CSOs), youth initiatives, the private sector and governmental actors. Through collaborative efforts and educational outreach, en.v enables communities to identify and pursue innovative approaches to local and regional challenges.

Source of information and pictures credits http://www.envearth.com/