Over the past few months, more than 200 young civic activists from nearly 40 different countries in Africa and the Middle East have been taking part in the AMEL Institute online training program. This cohort has been one of AMEL Institute’s most diverse and enthusiastic to date, bringing a wealth of perspectives from their various backgrounds and experiences. While more than 250 were originally accepted into the program, many were unable to participate due to the continuing conflict in Sudan and other challenges. Of those participating, the average age is approximately 26 and about two-thirds have more than one year of experience in activism, primarily in the human rights or peace fields.
Over the course of the summer, our trainees improved their knowledge, skills and understanding of human rights, gender mainstreaming, activism safety, self-care/mental health, Holocaust/genocide history and prevention, conflict transformation, nonviolent movements, democratic development, and communications tools and techniques. They were trained by seasoned activists from Africa and the Middle and top international experts, including Prof. Larry Diamond from Stanford University and Prof. Erica Chenoweth from Harvard University. Our unique training model combines self-paced recorded video lectures, online quizzes and assignments, interactive website forums and live Zoom discussions. The program thus combines lessons that fill critical knowledge gaps with ongoing engagement so that our trainees can learn from each other’s experiences and forge vital activist-to-activist connections.
After seven interactive weeks covering the six modules, the Summer cohort will wrap up with a celebration in early September, where participants will have the chance to share what they have learned and how they will put their new know-how to use. Following the celebration, they will be integrated into the AMEL Alumni network, where they will have the chance to engage with close to 1000 changemakers from Africa, the Middle East and the Global North.
Throughout the Summer we have continually learned from, and been inspired by, these talented activists who, in the face of formidable obstacles, are standing up for the marginalized and advancing human rights across the region. As they continue their activism journeys, we are certain that, with what they have learned, they will now represent even brighter flames of hope and leadership as they forge through the darkness of injustice and conflict and pave the way to a better future for all.