Supporting adolescent voice, agency and civic participation in the context of forced displacement: The role of the Makani/‘My Space’ programme one-stop centres in Jordan

Abstract:

Opportunities for young people to exercise voice and agency in contexts of forced displacement are especially constrained. This chapter focuses on a nationwide initiative in Jordan, the ‘Makani’ (My Space) one-stop centres which support children and adolescents from vulnerable host and refugee communities to connect with peers and trusted adults in a safe space through activities that foster their voice, agency and skills for participation in their community. This case study reflects on the mechanisms through which Makani centres provide opportunities for young people to express their voice and exercise agency and participation, and their effectiveness. Findings indicate that the programme overall has positive effects on adolescents’ individual and collective agency due in part to its emphasis on community engagement. However, gender norms constrain girls’ decision-making as well as their wider participation, particularly in the case of older adolescent girls.

Authors: Nicola Jones, Joost Vintges, Sarah Al Heiwidi

Suggested citation

Jones, N., Vintges, J., & Al Heiwidi, S. (2024). Supporting adolescent voice, agency and civic participation in the context of forced displacement: The role of the Makani/‘My Space’programme one-stop centres in Jordan. In Young People in the Global South (pp. 337-350). Routledge