It has been another summer of success at the AMEL Institute!
Set to conclude this week, the Institute’s summer online training program was launched in July 2024 with enrollment of over 350 trainees from 41 different countries across the Middle East and Africa (MEA). The average age of the participants was approximately 28 years, with more than 53% identifying as women. Additionally, almost half of the trainees had been activists for at least 3-9 years, while the majority of the cohort identified as youth empowerment & human rights activists. Despite displacement and connectivity challenges faced by many, 230 actively participated in the program and at least 175 are expected to satisfy the requirements to earn a certificate once the program and grading is complete.
The curriculum brought together experienced activists from the Middle East & Africa and leading international experts, including Dr. Larry Diamond from Stanford University and Prof. Erica Chenoweth from Harvard University. Trainees expanded their expertise by engaging directly with instructors and peers through an interactive program. The course featured self-paced recorded video lectures, online quizzes and assignments, website forums, and live Zoom discussions, fostering a collaborative learning environment. The program’s impact is best expressed by the trainees themselves, who shared comments such as the following.
““I have learned that peace and peacebuilding start with me, and I will ensure that I lead by example and protect all humans and their rights in the future.””
““I’m an activist in Libya, advocating for women’s rights in my hometown. AMEL Institute provided me with essential knowledge on human rights and gender equality, which I’m now using to train our staff.””
““I really appreciated the program’s emphasis on diversity and connection. The chance to engage with participants from various backgrounds and perspectives enriched my experience. It allowed me to see issues from multiple viewpoints and understand the global impact of our efforts. The diverse range of topics and interactive nature of the program fostered meaningful connections, which I believe are crucial for effective activism.” ”
As we bid farewell to a summer of action, we look ahead to fall with renewed energy. This season, we continue our mission to empower civil society, building on the momentum from our summer success.
Stay tuned to learn more about our upcoming initiatives!