Jussoor

Highlights from our London 2012 workshop.

“Last weekend saw the hosting of the second Jussoor workshop in London on Arab development; I was one of 25 young members with an interest in development in the Arab world who would be taking part in a 2 day workshop where we would discuss our impressions of the Arab region, and explore opportunities to get engaged in development efforts there. What struck me first was the diversity and enthusiasm of the participants; before the workshop had even began, I had talked to people hailing from all corners of the Arab world, as well as others who had a deep interest or connection to it; people from as young as 16 and in school to those in their mid-twenties with professional careers. It was clear from the excited atmosphere and level of conversation that Jussoor had brought together a lot of bright and interesting individuals before the program had even begun.

This energy never seemed to dip; even by the end of the day at 6.30 the discussion remained just as fresh and interesting as it had done when we began the program at 9.30. We began the workshop by discussing our impressions and hopes for the Arab region, and at the end of the weekend, most of these impressions had been changed or tested, with a renewed optimism formed amongst the members in the knowledge that there were other young people with the same interests, and plenty of speakers who had real examples of making a positive change…

… Before we left, the participants discussed what we would like to see from Jussoor in the future. With the renewed optimism and fresh inspiration that we had been given by the workshop, there were some great ideas about how the network could be developed. Our first meeting is already being scheduled, and in the coming meetings, we will be setting the agenda for the Jussoor London chapter in 2012 and finding concrete ways for Jussoor participants to get involved with Alfanar’s work, and with wider Arab development efforts. As Alfanar prepares to open chapters the Arab world, and with a motivated and enthusiastic membership in London, the future looks promising for Jussoor.”

– William Key, Jussoor 2012 graduate

The second Jussoor workshop is taking place in London this weekend, on the 11th and 12th of February. Last year saw Jussoor successfully pilot its first workshop, building the foundation for a network of dedicated young leaders interested in supporting the development of the Arab region. This year, we are continuing in the same vein, bringing together a wide range
of motivated and passionate university students, young professionals and field experts.

 The first day will focus on the broad theme of Arab development, asking where change will come from post Arab spring, as well as exploring different challenges and solutions faced by development organisations. The second day seeks to build up the necessary vision, skills and confidence needed by young people to get more deeply involved in Arab development efforts. Participants will get the chance to hear from and interact with a number of inspiring leaders from different fields, including civil society, human rights, the private sector, government and media.

Through this thought-provoking weekend, we hope that participants will come away with renewed optimism and the skills and connections required to start making a difference in the Arab world.

Applications are now open for the next Jussoor workshop, scheduled for 11 – 12 February 2012 in London.

Download the application form or contact the Jussoor Co-ordinator for more information.

A video of the first football tournament in support of Alfanar, organised by Jussoor members in London and hosted by the LSE Arab Society.
 

A testimonial from Zeiad Idris, another one of our brilliant Jussoor finalists –

“The Jussoor work shop was an intense weekend of debate, presentations, ideas and fun.

You are being chucked right into the deep end with a bunch of people you have never met and expected to do presentations, share ideas and thoughts about development issues in the Arab World. However one thing the guys at Alfanar are great at doing is breaking the ice, through light hearted team building exercises which include screaming at each other! Jussoor brings together the most diverse range of young personalities and backgrounds you could imagine, but at the same time they are all passionate when it comes to development. Exceptional speakers were invited to share their directly relevant knowledge and understanding with us and they often had conflicting views – the outcome was a rigorous and fascinating experience.

I would recommend Jussoor for those serious about contributing to development in the Arab World and wish to be challenged in a practical and intellectual manor. The time was very well spent and the experience was inspirational.

Alfanar is a pioneering organisation in the Arab World tackling complex issues and is not afraid of taboos. I was drawn to Alfanar because I believe such an organisation, and venture philanthropy in general, has been long overdue in the Arab world and it provides the ideal forum to discuss, plan and implement development solutions. Alfanar definitely has a bright future!”

Below is a diary entry from Norah Alajaji, one of our workshop finalists:

“Welcomed with happy faces and wide smiles, I entered the Jussoor workshop, not knowing what to expect, who I would meet or what I would learn. After being introduced to Alfanar’s team and the 17 other workshop finalists, my first impression was: wow! I was impressed by how diverse the group was, the different backgrounds, the different nationalities, the different specialities, and most interestingly, the different viewpoints.

My first impression was echoed in my last impression, the wow-factor was prevalent throughout the workshop. I was and still am very impressed with all we got to do in such a short time. The workshop was intense, challenging, and very insightful. I learned what venture philanthropy is all about, I met very interesting speakers and I worked with very distinct individuals. I liked how unique every session was, from the speakers’ panel to cafe conversations and from mind-mapping to working on case studies. The process was indeed stimulating.

Alfanar is all about improving lives and communities, and it was great to be part of a very good-willed team. Realism and optimism were some of the main things we learned, along with the ability to gain a clear perspective on successful development projects in the Arab world. I loved how everyone shared the same ambition of progressing the Arab world and creating a space where the needs and dreams of children, women, and families in general are considered and developed.

All in all, Jussoor was a unique experience. The things we learned, the people we met, and the networks we created have given us a push to go ahead and work towards what we all dream of: a flourishing Arab world.”

Jussoor has now been officially launched! Our first workshop took place in London last weekend with a brilliant group of young individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds. We hosted Undergraduate and Masters’ students from SOAS, LSE , King’s College, UCL, Sheffield University, Queen Mary’s, as well as recent graduates training in various careers and some participants in their final school year and about to join university. The group represented a range of countries, both in the Middle East and beyond, including the UK, Iraq, Jordan, Somali land, France, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, to name a few.

Throughout the weekend, we tackled the subject of venture philanthropy, the contributing factors to human development in the Arab region, real-life challenges faced by Alfanar and its partners, the role of social media in bringing about change in the region, and also considered various fundraising strategies for Alfanar.

Well done to the Jussoor 2011 group for being so enthusiastic and engaged throughout the intense two-day programme, and a huge thank you to our guest speakers and volunteers!

More updates, testimonials and photos to come.

And we’re back! Happy new year everyone. Some stuff to get you excited about developments in the Arab region -
First, news from TEDxRamallah, including the approaching PalFest, and a brilliant new Dabke fusion emerging in Jalazone refugee camp.

Next, an article from Ramzy Baroud on the rising civil society in the Arab region. In his words, “let 2011 be a year of action, hope, and the uninterrupted triumph of civil society.”

Jussoor applications have been coming in over the past week, thanks to everyone who has submitted their form.
We have decided to extend the deadline to the 24th of December, as we’ve had many expressions of interest from people who have just heard about our workshop. So you’ve got one more week left, make sure you get your application in before the holidays!

Application form