Seasons are changing at AMEL Institute, with the Spring 2023 program wrapping up this week and the Summer program getting set to launch!
The Spring 2023 AMEL Institute program was the first-ever Spring edition of the Institute. More than 200 young activists from 40 different countries were selected to take part in this cohort, although not all were able to enroll due to the nearly simultaneous outbreak of conflict in Sudan and other challenging circumstances. The program thus saw the participation of 160 trainees from 33 different countries across Africa and the Middle East. The average age of trainees was about 26 years old and more than 60% of the cohort identified as women. Just over half have been activists for at least 3 years, and the majority of the cohort identified themselves as human rights activists.
Over the course of Spring 2023, trainees boosted their knowledge and skills in human rights, gender mainstreaming, activism safety, self-care/mental health, genocide prevention, conflict transformation, nonviolent movements, democratic development and communications. The curriculum featured both experienced activists and top international experts, such as Prof. Larry Diamond. Through an interactive program packed with video lectures, quizzes, assignments, asynchronous forums and live discussions, trainees were able to boost their know-how and to connect with lecturers and fellow activists to share questions, experiences and lessons learned.
Recognizing that it is an under-taught subject in the region, a particular focus of the program was on genocide. The course included several lessons on the subject, covering topics including the 10 stages of genocide, the processes that led up to the Holocaust, testimonials from Holocaust/genocide survivors and descendents, and how to prevent genocide by using allyship to interupt genocide stages before they escalate. The module was immersed within a curriculum of interrelated topics, such as human rights, conflict transformation and nonviolent movements, thus providing trainees with a fuller understanding of each of these subjects.
“The sessions on advocacy, storytelling, and genocide and nonviolent resistance provided practical tools and insights that I can directly apply in my work and daily life…exploring the topics of genocide and nonviolent resistance deepened my understanding of historical events and inspired me to consider peaceful approaches to promote social change.”
–Trainee from Libya
After covering all six modules of the program, the Spring cohort wrapped up with a celebration on June 23rd where participants connected around common activism focus areas. Trainees also shared how impactful the program was, how much they learned, and their hopes for further diversifying and maintaining the networks they’ve built throughout the program.
“The best training I ever attended, I will love to help and assist to grow more and so that it helps many, many youth around the world.”
–Trainee from Namibia
“The program covered the most important parts that any activist must know.”
–Trainee from Morocco
“It was an honor to meet other fellow peers from different countries who share the same desire, and goal as yours, which is to see a positive change.”
–Trainee from Zimbabwe
“I started to apply most of what I learned in my activism actions here, for example I started focusing more on the gender mainstreaming…and trying to fight the genocide and racism here.”
–Trainee from Yemen
As the impact of the Spring program continues to ripple out far and wide, preparations are underway for AMEL Institute Summer 2023, which will kick off in early July. Hundreds of activists from dozens of countries across Africa and the Middle East will take part in the Summer program - stay tuned for updates!