From January 4th to 8th, 2025, the United Religions Initiative in the MENA region (URI-MENA) and Holmlia Sportsklubb (HSK) in Norway embarked on a groundbreaking study visit to Jordan, redefining youth work through sports. Supported by the Erasmus+ program, this collaborative project aimed to equip young coaches and youth workers with the essential tools, methodologies, and confidence to foster inclusion, mental health awareness, and leadership among young people within their communities.
The study visit brought together a diverse group of 38 participants: 32 young coaches aged 16-26 and 6 adult youth workers. Participants engaged in enriching workshops, experiential learning, and site visits, including:
Self-discovery through Arts Workshop: Exploring personal strengths and creative expression.
Improving Coaching Competencies through Theater Workshop: Enhancing communication, interpersonal skills, and creative problem-solving.
Visit to Al-Wihdeh Sports Club: Experiencing sports within a Palestinian refugee camp in Madaba, fostering empathy and understanding.
Exploration of Madaba, the “City of Mosaics”: Immersing in local history and culture, visiting the Madaba Institute for Mosaic Art and Restoration, and learning about cultural heritage.
Engagement at Haya Cultural Center: Interacting with children through diverse sports and activities, developing practical coaching skills.
Cultural Heritage Exploration in Petra: A treasure hunt game within the ancient city, promoting teamwork and problem-solving in a unique cultural setting.
Visit to Equality for Training and Human Rights in Madaba: Understanding human rights and social justice, fostering a commitment to social responsibility.
Tour of Prince Hashem Sports City: Exploring a state-of-the-art sports facility, inspiring participants and broadening their understanding of sports development.
Key Outcomes:
Developed robust methodologies to mobilize youth through sports.
Enhanced local youth work practices and built organizational capacity within both partner organizations.
Strengthened the role of youth workers as global citizens and community leaders, fostering intercultural understanding and empathy.
Addressed mental health challenges through innovative approaches, equipping participants with tools to support young people’s well-being.
Enhanced intercultural sensitivity among all participants, promoting respect for diversity and breaking down cultural barriers.
The collaboration between Norwegian and Jordanian young people and youth workers fostered invaluable cross-cultural exchange on mental health, inclusion, and the role of sports in community development. This experience served as a powerful platform to overcome barriers of culture, language, and geography, nurturing a deeper understanding of diversity and shared values.
About the Organizations:
Holmlia Sportsklubb, founded in 1983, has been a cornerstone of Oslo’s diverse Holmlia community, providing accessible sports programs to over 1,500 members. Its “Young Coaches” program empowers youth aged 14-19 with their first job opportunities, nurturing them as role models and cultural ambassadors. URI-MENA, a leading interfaith grassroots organization, brings its expertise in sustainable development, interfaith dialogue, and mental health and human rights advocacy, aligning seamlessly with the project’s objectives.
Project Impact:
Enhanced the skills and confidence of young coaches and youth workers in addressing mental health issues among young people.
Built a strong network of young leaders committed to inclusion and diversity, fostering long-term collaboration and impact.
Positively impacted over 200 young people and children engaged in sports activities, promoting healthy lifestyles and social inclusion.
Established a sustainable framework for youth empowerment through sports, providing a roadmap for future initiatives.
“This project is not just about sports; it’s about building resilient communities and shaping future leaders,” said Vegard Iglebæk, a key member of HSK’s leadership team. “By learning from our Jordanian partners, we are taking a significant step towards a more inclusive and empowered society.”
