This regional project is funded by the British Government’s Arab Partnership Initiative. Young Arab Voices relies on partnerships with non-governmental organisations, youth groups, culture centres, schools and universities, plus ministries in the targeted countries of Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco.
Bringing debating skills to Libya's young people
2012-2013 was the first year of the programme in Libya. More than 100 young Libyans in Tripoli and Benghazi were trained in debating skills and 15 debates were conducted with an audience of over 1000. The topics of the debates varied from the role of young people in the development of Libya to the controversial political isolation law.
In a debate with senior Libyan law makers, Dr Salah El-Marghani (Libyan Minister of Justice) and Dr Salah Makhzum (2nd Deputy of the General National Congress), young Libyans discussed and argued their aspirations of citizenship in the new Libya.
Andreu Claret, Director Anna Lindh Foundation said:
Young Arab Voices is a pioneering programme. Firstly, in terms of the remarkable reach and impact the programme has already had across the Arab societies – actively engaging many thousands of youth from diverse social, geographical and political backgrounds.
Secondly, in the way that two leading international institutions like the British Council and Anna Lindh Foundation have taken the strategic decision and bold approach to combine together their resources, networks and methodologies.
It is a unique model of partnership in action and an effective response to the historic changes taking place across the MENA region.