Last year, Alfanar participated as a training partner in the Arab Youth Leading in the Third Sector (AYLTS) programme, delivered in partnership with Arab Youth Center. Bringing together young people from 19 Arab countries, the programme created a rare space for emerging leaders to explore how motivation and intent can be translated into clear, impact-driven initiatives.

Our engagement with AYLTS reflects a core belief at Alfanar: that early-stage guidance matters. For many young people entering the social and environmental impact space, the challenge is not a lack of commitment or ideas, but the absence of structured support, practical tools, and reflective spaces to shape that intent into something sustainable and viable.

Over the course of three intensive weeks, our focus was on building foundational skills. Through group trainings, coaching sessions, and daily office hours, we worked with participants on problem definition, early solution design, and an introduction to key third-sector tools, including theory of change and social business models. This structure allowed participants to progress at different paces, while remaining anchored to shared learning objectives.

Working closely with the cohort offered several important insights. What stood out most was the depth of motivation among participants. Many came with a strong desire to contribute to social and environmental change, often rooted in lived experience. At the same time, the programme highlighted a recurring gap between passion and structure. While ideas were abundant, many participants initially struggled with feasibility, sustainability, and narrowing their focus.

This reinforced the importance of early-stage programmes that prioritise critical thinking, reflection, and iteration – rather than pushing prematurely toward fully formed solutions. The diversity of backgrounds and experience levels within the cohort further underscored the value of individualised support, particularly through coaching and one-to-one conversations that helped participants refine their thinking and build confidence in articulating their ideas.

Looking ahead, we hope this experience supports participants as they continue developing their initiatives. For Alfanar, the programme reaffirmed the importance of investing thoughtfully in youth ecosystems and creating spaces where ideas can be explored, tested, and refined.

“Proud to be part of this one-of-a-kind program. Initiatives like this empower and uplift youth across the Arab world, helping us connect through our shared struggles and inspiring us to come together to create real and lasting impact in the third sector.” - Mariam Baslar, Diplomat, Bahrain

We are grateful to the Arab Youth Center team, alongside fellow trainers and partners, for the trust and collaboration throughout the programme – and we look forward to seeing how this next generation of changemakers carries their ideas forward.