
#eu4youth
How communities are critical to young people's psychosocial wellbeing and resilience to violent conflict: A case study from Jordan
Objective(s) of the session
- To share lessons learned and experiences in addressing mental health and providing psychosocial support as part of peacebuilding and conflict prevention efforts
- To put forward recommendations for the EU and other international actors with regard to supporting such actions, particularly through financial support
- To create a space for an interactive discussion with the audience on these issues
In this session, we will discuss the importance for adolescents and youth who are marginalised and/or exposed to violent conflict to receive greater support to help them reconnect with themselves, their families, and their communities in order to establish healthy relationships, develop critical thinking skills, and engage in civic action projects that promote social cohesion and non-violence. In particular, this session will make the case for paying increasing attention to the roles that community actors can play in youth violence prevention. Using a case study from Jordan, we will explore how strengthening the capacity of key community members to deliver mental health and psychosocial support services to youth is critical to broader conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts. Holistic, psychosocial wellbeing programming is not just a ‘nice to have,’ it can be truly lifesaving.
Project in the frames of which the session was developed
European Peacebuilding Liaison Office and Mercy Corps

Abdallah Shraim
Abdallah Shraim is a young Jordanian professional with more than eight years’ experience in the youth development sector. He is currently working with Mercy Corps as a senior capacity building and training coordinator with a particular focus on psychosocial support. This includes supporting youth workers to develop their skills in areas such as child protection, gender, and youth developmental needs. In addition, Abdallah supports program development for Mercy Corps’ peacebuilding and youth and community resilience portfolios.