Youth Connect Programme to Empower Young Leaders and Women (Jordan)

The British Council’s Youth Connect programme offers up to £30,000 to Jordanian civil society organisations to empower youth through skills training, leadership development, and community engagement. The initiative prioritises inclusion of young women and marginalised groups while promoting civic participation and collaboration. Selected organisations will implement programmes that strengthen youth leadership and drive local impact.

Overview

The British Council is inviting applications from civil society organisations (CSOs) in Jordan for its Youth Connect programme.

This initiative focuses on empowering young people through skills development, inclusive participation, and community-driven action to strengthen social cohesion and sustainable development.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant: £30,000 per organisation
• Scope: Delivery of two programme cohorts
• Type: Programme implementation grant

Programme Objectives

The Youth Connect programme aims to:

• Build youth skills and leadership capacity
• Promote inclusive participation in civic and digital spaces
• Strengthen youth engagement in community decision-making
• Foster collaboration between youth and stakeholders
• Support youth-led solutions to local challenges

Key Focus Areas

1. Youth Skills and Capacity Building

• Training in leadership, communication, and research
• Personal development and confidence building

2. Inclusion and Diversity

• Focus on young women, persons with disabilities, and marginalised groups
• Equal participation opportunities

3. Civic Engagement and Dialogue

• Conflict-sensitive dialogue with stakeholders
• Participation in governance and decision-making

4. Community-Led Action

• Youth-led initiatives addressing local needs
• Collaborative problem-solving approaches

5. Networks and Partnerships

• Creation of youth networks for peer learning
• Engagement with decision-makers and institutions

Key Concepts Explained

Youth Empowerment

Providing young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to influence decisions and drive change.

Inclusive Community Engagement

Ensuring participation from diverse groups, especially those often excluded from decision-making.

Conflict-Sensitive Dialogue

Communication approaches that consider social tensions and aim to promote understanding and peace.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be civil society organisations in Jordan
• Have experience in youth empowerment and programme delivery
• Demonstrate strong project management capacity
• Show ability to work with diverse and marginalised groups

Suitable Organisations

• NGOs
• Community-based organisations
• Non-profit entities focused on youth and development

What Will Selected Organisations Do?

• Deliver training and workshops for youth
• Facilitate dialogues and stakeholder engagement
• Support youth-led community projects
• Ensure inclusive participation
• Monitor and report programme outcomes

How the Programme Works

Step-by-Step Process

1. Apply for Funding
   • Submit proposal outlining approach and impact
2. Programme Design
   • Plan training, activities, and engagement strategies
3. Implement Cohorts
   • Deliver structured training and community activities
4. Facilitate Youth Engagement
   • Support youth-led initiatives and dialogue
5. Monitor and Evaluate
   • Track outcomes and impact

Expected Outcomes

• Improved leadership and life skills among youth
• Increased youth participation in civic spaces
• Stronger collaboration between youth and stakeholders
• Successful youth-led community initiatives
• Enhanced social cohesion and resilience

Why This Programme Matters

• Empowers youth as change-makers
• Promotes inclusive and participatory governance
• Addresses social and community challenges
• Strengthens resilience and social cohesion
• Encourages long-term sustainable development

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Weak inclusion strategies for marginalised groups
• Lack of clear programme structure
• Insufficient stakeholder engagement
• Vague or unmeasurable outcomes
• Limited experience in youth programming

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly define target youth groups and needs
• Demonstrate strong inclusion and diversity approach
• Provide measurable outcomes and indicators
• Highlight past experience in similar programmes
• Show partnerships with local stakeholders

FAQs

1. Who can apply for the Youth Connect programme?

Civil society organisations based in Jordan.

2. What is the maximum funding available?

Up to £30,000 per organisation.

3. What is the main focus of the programme?

Youth empowerment, skills development, and inclusive community engagement.

4. Who are the target beneficiaries?

Young people, especially women and marginalised groups.

5. What activities are supported?

Training, workshops, dialogue sessions, and youth-led initiatives.

6. What outcomes are expected?

Improved youth leadership, increased civic participation, and community impact.

7. Is experience required to apply?

Yes, organisations must demonstrate relevant experience and capacity.

Conclusion

The Youth Connect programme by the British Council offers a strategic opportunity for Jordanian organisations to empower young people and strengthen inclusive communities. By focusing on leadership, participation, and collaboration, the initiative helps build a generation of engaged citizens capable of driving meaningful and sustainable change.