To listen and be heard

Activista has now come to the Middle East. The first Activista event was launched in Amman, Jordan with great enthusiasm and large attendance.

The atmosphere of the evening was open and informal, with discussions and performances.

“They speak in our language, this is something new for us”. That was the immediate comment from one of the young volunteers from Zarqa after attending the Activista event on February 15^th. The comment was directed at the newly formed Activista team in Jordan, consisting of five experienced volunteers who hosted the event at ActionAid Denmark’s offices in Amman.

The title of the event was Mesh Tanfise, a "non-valve". Voluntary projects towards the youth in Jordan, are normally regarded as a way for the youth to let out their frustrations, as a valve. This is not the mission of the Activista group. Activista will not "let out the steam", but direct frustrations and the wish for change into something constructive and positive. The idea is to not only sit and talk about it, but act.

The atmosphere of the evening was open and informal, with discussions and performances. Here Nour from the Activista group and one of the participants improvise a sketch about the art of complaining and the art of listening.

The evening offered a variety of performances by some of the attendants, from stand-up and dabkeh to Fairuz-songs and ud-playing. After the performances, the Activista group engaged the participants in a discussion about listening and about making yourself heard, and how to channel needs and good ideas into action that can make a change. The atmosphere was open and informal, and many of the attendants used the opportunity to share opinions and experiences.

This event was the first, energetic step to towards an active and creative Activista movement in Jordan. The idea is to follow up on this event by a series of meetings where the first activities can be launched  and the Activista network can grow stronger.