The Activist Labs, led by the Palestinian Center for Peace and Democracy (PCPD), empowers youth from all over the West Bank to create meaningful change in their communities.
Through multi-day training programs, young activists gain the skills to organize movements and lead impactful initiatives and campaigns on topics like gender equality, opportunities for youth, and the role of local authorities. Participants are recruited through local organizations and mentored to design and implement their own initiatives. Many go on to replicate Activist Labs within their own communities, spreading knowledge and inspiring others. The program fosters cooperation, creativity, and positive change during challenging times, offering a safe platform for youth to connect, learn, and act.
By building a network of empowered young leaders, the Activist Lab ensures that youth remain at the forefront of creating a more just, inclusive, and sustainable society in Palestine and beyond.
Transform ideas into impactful action
What is the problem?
Youth in the West Bank face significant challenges due to the ongoing occupation, political instability, and limited civic space, which hinder their ability to mobilize and create social change. Additionally, the constant exposure to conflict, social polarization, and economic uncertainty leaves many youth feeling disempowered and disconnected. The Activist Labs wants to support young people and channel their energy and ideas into constructive actions that could benefit their communities and create pathways for meaningful societal change.
Connection between youth from different parts of the West Bank is difficult given the lack of freedom of movement. Most local authorities and other relevant decision-making bodies are dominated by older generations, often with limited meaningful participation by women and youth.
Globally, youth activism, especially from Generation Z, has played a key role in addressing issues like inequality and climate change. However, many young activists struggle with limited resources, informal organizing, and lack of connections to other movements. The Activist Lab helps bridge these gaps by offering a platform for youth to connect, learn, and lead, empowering them to drive positive change in their communities and beyond.
What does PAX think?
We believe that young people are essential drivers of positive change. Especially in Palestine, where young people represent the largest demographic group. Through the Activist Labs, we strive to guide and support to empower them towards positive change, non-violent activism and leadership.
Together with Palestinian Center for Peace and Democracy , we are committed to providing meaningful opportunities, safe spaces, and resources for youth to strengthen their activism, and develop impactful initiatives and campaigns. By supporting young activists, we aim to foster cooperation and enable them to become leaders in their communities and advocates for a better future.
What we do
Together with Palestinian Center for Peace and Democracy we have trained 24 young people through multiple Training of Trainers programs, equipping them to lead their own Activist Labs and pass on their knowledge to others. We’ve organized four Activist Labs, engaging 124 young people who have developed and implemented campaigns. Last year, participants led initiatives such as the Shabab Al-Balad Initiative in Nablus, which provided psychological and social relief to youth affected by city closures and checkpoints through art, music, and therapeutic activities; the Sign of Hope Initiative in Tulkarm, offering psychological support to young residents of Tulkarm Refugee Camp impacted by raids and destruction; and the Seeds of Life Initiative in Bethlehem, promoting sustainable environmental development by revitalizing a neglected park in Area C. In Ramallah, participants launched the Let Palestine Be Green Initiative, raising environmental awareness and advocating for sustainable practices through community outreach.
Additionally, participants have had opportunities to build global networks through international collaborations in Tanzania and Turkey, where they exchanged strategies with youth from other Activist Labs in different countries.
Wat is the goal?
Our ultimate goal is to support the empowerment of youth in the West Bank to become confident leaders and effective activists who can drive meaningful and sustainable change in their communities. By equipping them with the skills, tools, and networks they need, we strive to foster cooperation, and create a generation of young leaders who shape a better future for Palestine.
Partners
Contact
Thomas van Gool, Project Lead Israel-PalestinePalestina