Sharek Youth Forum: Youth in Action: Promise for the Future

Promise or Peril? Sharek’s 2009 report on the status of youth articulated the reality facing Palestinian youth: a crossroads with two very different futures ahead. Infringement of international humanitarian law and human rights laws by Israel, the occupying state, leave youth with difficult social, political and economic conditions. The situation is exacerbated by a fragmented and uncertain national infrastructure. Sharek Youth Forum, however, chooses 'promise’ and despite the challenges and the reality, we have developed and grown, continuing to support youth through these difficult times.

2008-2009 saw Sharek’s continued efforts in delivering a promising future to Palestinian youth. Step Forward, Bridges and Partners, our core programmes, all went from strength to strength. Meanwhile our advocacy and research work has been consolidated into a new Advocacy programme, highlighted by the publication of “Promise or Peril”. 2008 was distinguished by Sharek’s revitalization of its voluntary activities and in recognition of its high standards and leadership, Sharek was awarded the Palestine International Award for Distinction and Creativity. 2009 was marked by the war on Gaza and Sharek’s response: the 30,000 campaign. Sharek mobilized its networks and started to provide humanitarian and psychological assistance within days of the war starting. As the fallout continued to affect youth over 2009, Sharek continued to put in place support for communities.

Towards the end of 2009, as the turmoil created by “Operation Cast Lead” eased, Sharek began to look to the future and develop its five-year mid-term strategy. As we reflect on the successes of the past two years, we eagerly anticipate the plans and developments we have now put in place. There are major developments that are particularly exciting including the empowerment of youth to advocate for their own rights through the Youth Shadow Local Councils and the empowerment of youth to become economically active through Step Forward.

With our progress report: Youth in Action: Promise for the Future, Sharek Youth Forum would like to express its gratitude and appreciation to our staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to make Sharek work, as well as our donors and partners who make all our work possible. We would like, in particular, to highlight the incredible fortitude and steadfastness of our staff and volunteers in Gaza who have worked on, harder than ever, despite the most adverse conditions.

Sharek is dedicated to positive change for the lives of the young people of Palestine. Together, we are striving for a promising future.

The Board of Directors