🇯🇴 Country Page – Jordan

Preparation Activities – Youth Exchange

Digital Storytelling for Social Change (DiGiSC)

The Youth Exchange Digital Storytelling for Social Change (DiGiSC) brings together young people from different countries to explore social issues and use digital storytelling as a tool for awareness and positive change. The exchange will take place in Pissouri, Cyprus, bringing together 35 young participants from 7 partner organisations to learn storytelling techniques, media literacy, and creative expression methods.

Jordan is represented by the organisation Youth Feeders, which will involve young participants in preparation activities including research, discussions, and creative storytelling exercises.

Social Context in Jordan

Jordanian youth face several social challenges that influence their opportunities and future perspectives. Research conducted by the Jordanian team highlights several key issues affecting young people and marginalized communities.

Key Challenges

The main issues identified include:

Youth unemployment and limited job opportunities
Limited access to education in some communities
Poverty and economic inequality
Social discrimination and exclusion
Barriers for people with disabilities
Challenges faced by refugees and migrant communities

These challenges affect many young people and often limit access to employment, education, and social participation.

Youth Unemployment in Jordan

Youth unemployment is one of the most significant issues facing Jordanian society. Many young people struggle to transition from education to employment due to:

Lack of practical experience
Mismatch between education and labour market needs
Limited access to funding or entrepreneurship support
Regional economic disparities

As a result, many young people feel uncertain about their future and face pressure to succeed in difficult economic conditions.

Social Media and Youth Pressure

Jordan has experienced rapid digital transformation in recent years. Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube are widely used by young people and play a major role in shaping social perceptions and aspirations.

However, research shows that these platforms often create unrealistic expectations.

Many influencers present a "highlight reel" of success, showing luxury lifestyles, wealth, and instant achievements. Young people may compare their everyday reality with these curated images, which can lead to:

Feelings of inadequacy
Fear of missing out (FOMO)
Distorted perceptions of success
Identity pressure and low self-confidence

This digital environment sometimes creates unrealistic expectations about success and life opportunities.

Digital Storytelling as a Solution

Digital storytelling can help address these challenges by encouraging young people to share authentic stories about their real experiences.

Through storytelling activities, youth can:

Share real-life challenges and successes
Challenge stereotypes and unrealistic narratives
Promote critical thinking about social media content
Strengthen digital literacy and creativity
Inspire positive social change within their communities

Digital storytelling allows young people to move beyond the "perfect image" culture of social media and present honest narratives about their journeys and struggles.

Positive Initiatives in Jordan

Despite these challenges, many initiatives are helping young people create positive change in their communities.

Examples include:

Youth Empowerment Programs

Training programs focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, and skills development.

Support for Refugees

Education, healthcare, and social support initiatives for displaced communities.

Women Empowerment Initiatives

Programs encouraging women's participation in education, business, and leadership.

Community Volunteering

Youth involvement in environmental activities, social support projects, and humanitarian work.

Social Entrepreneurship

Innovative initiatives addressing unemployment, inequality, and community development.

These initiatives demonstrate that community cooperation and youth engagement can create meaningful social change. You can download their research here.

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