ActionAid Palestine to Conclude Training of Trainers for Youth in Social Change

Bethlehem, Palestine – The Global Platform Palestine (GPP) of ActionAid Palestine (AAP) concluded organized and facilitated 2025 Training of Trainers program for youth in social change. The training seeks to develop and build associate trainer pool of GPP who are motivated and committed to working for social changes.

The six-day training brought together 24 youth activists from across the West Bank, all aspiring to be change-makers in their societies. They are energetic, enthusiastic and passionate young people who participated in the training to develop their knowledge and skills. 

The training also contributed to empowering young people through capacity building, networking, and expanding the pool of volunteer trainers aligned with the GPP’ s methodology and vision in Palestine. Participants are equipped with essential skills, knowledge, and approaches required by young activists to work with and train other youth on pathways to community transformation and build a core of young people who are able to inspire, lead and mobilize other young people to take action towards contributing significantly to the social change and justice in Palestine.  Its overarching goal is to create a dynamic learning environment where participants could gain new tools and perspectives that enhance youth impact as agents of change toward a more just, democratic, and sustainable world.

A key component of the training was introducing participants to participatory methods crucial for young trainers to facilitate inclusive learning sessions. Participants explored how to actively involve youth in social change through training, learning, and the development of knowledge, understanding, skills, values, and attitudes that promote social transformation and wider social dialogue within their communities.

This type of training encourages participants to critically analyze their context and understand underlying issues. Learning was not approached as passive information absorption, but as a strategic, empowering act that enables people to challenge injustice, build alternatives, and reshape their communities.

The program also helps identify the types of capacity support youth need to design effective plans and adopt methodologies that enable their active contribution to change.

Participants had the opportunity to apply key elements of the training in collaboration with Rihannah Society and the Aida Refugee Youth Center. On the final day, they facilitated hands-on training sessions for community volunteers, focusing on communication and interpersonal skills, applying what they had learned over the previous five days.

The training adopted a participatory methodology supported by a range of tools and diverse facilitation techniques. The program combined theory with practice, incorporating interactive activities, simulations, and constructive feedback, all of which enriched the learning experience. Key themes included: principles of effective learning, facilitation techniques, interactive educational strategies, and practical application.

Participants expressed their appreciation for the program. One participant, Dalal, shared:

"The participatory approach was exceptional. I felt heard, and we were all partners in the process. The training wasn’t just theoretical—it involved practical implementation and meaningful dialogue. It made me think differently. The trainers were professional, and their explanations were clear and grounded. I truly valued every session I attended."

Trainer Reem Arikat, from GPP, praised the group’s engagement: "The training achieved its goals. The participants came from diverse backgrounds, age groups, and geographic areas, which significantly enriched the discussions. Many had prior facilitation experience, adding depth to the learning process”. 

ActionAid Palestine recognizes the potential of youth in creating change through a combination of the right skills, consciousnesses and creative energy of young people. It seeks to harness thisby broadening the skills base for organizing, a rights consciousness imbedded in ActionAid’s Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA) to work. We believe they will be able to organize and conduct training that empowers and support people to claim and protect their rights.

The Global Platforms of ActionAid provide innovative training and capacity development for young people to lead social, political and economic changes around the world. Located in the regions where we can make a significant impact, ActionAid Global Platforms convenes a global network of locally managed, vibrant youth hubs offering a physical space for youth to meet, discuss and act together – a place where young people can exchange ideas with other peers in their efforts to create social change.

About ActionAid International

ActionAid International is a global federation working with over 41 million people living in more than 72 of the world's poorest countries. We envision a world characterized by justice and sustainability, where every individual has the right to a dignified life and freedom, and a world free from poverty and oppression. We strive to achieve social justice, gender equality, and eradicate poverty.

ActionAid Palestine began its work in Palestine in 2007 to strengthen the resilience of the Palestinian people, believing in their right to enjoy freedom, justice, and self-determination. ActionAid Palestine implements several programs through its engagement with Palestinian communities and youth and women’s groups, aiming to empower women and youth and enhance their active civil and political participation to understand their rights and undertake collective action to address the rights violations resulting from the prolonged occupation, in addition to improving their leadership capacity and practicing their citizenship in holding authorities and other duty bearers accountable.

For more information, please contact:

Riham Jafari 

Communication and Advocacy Officer at ActionAid Palestine 

Mobile: +972 595242890

Email: Riham.Jafari@actionaid.org