Ruwwad, taken from the Arabic word for “pioneers,” is a ground-breaking program created by Palestinians, for Palestinians. Its mission is to empower Palestinian youth and the adults who serve them, so that both groups can become strong local leaders and change-makers. Since 2005, Ruwwad has been planned, designed, and implemented “by youth, for youth,” with a focus on positive leadership development for young women and men ages 14 to 30. Ruwwad provides youth with training, funding, and support to lead grassroots community service projects, and works with the Ministry of Youth to improve the government’s capacity to serve its young people.
Ruwwad is an associate award under the EQUIP3: Learning and Earning for Out-of-School Youth program. Visit EDC’s International Development Division website for additional project information and resources.
Director: Helen N. Boyle
Duration: 2005–2012
Website: http://www.ruwwad.org
Funder: U.S. Agency for International Development
Partners: Palestinian Authority—Ministry of Youth and Sport; The Aspen Institute; The Case Foundation, Life and Hope Association; Johoud for Community and Rural Development; The Civic Forum Institute; Palestinian Livestock Cooperative Union; The Palestinian Council for Development, Dialogue, and Democracy; East Jerusalem YMCA