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NDI Ana Usharek (I Participate) Civic Education Program

Jordan, Middle East

Ana Usharek ("I Participate") is the National Democratic Institute's flagship civic education program in the Middle East and North Africa, particularly Jordan. The interactive, learner-centered curriculum engages thousands of students in learning about democracy and active citizenship. Students organize initiatives to solve community issues through an "action civics" model that connects classroom learning to real-world civic engagement. The program focuses on four core democratic competencies: civic knowledge, civic skills, civic disposition, and civic attitudes. Success led Jordan to update its primary education curricula to include democratic practices and citizenship concepts nationwide.

Behavior Goal

Build active citizenship through experiential learning; empower youth to participate in democratic processes; develop civic skills including political tolerance, empathy, and self-efficacy; foster community problem-solving

Target Audiences

Youth/Adolescents

Implementers & Partners

  • National Democratic Institute (NDI)

Donors & Sponsors

  • National Endowment for Democracy
  • USAID
  • US Department of State

Key Takeaways

  • 1Action civics connects classroom learning to real-world participation
  • 2Four core competencies: knowledge, skills, disposition, attitudes
  • 3Student-led community initiatives demonstrate learning
  • 4Success led to nationwide curriculum changes in Jordan
  • 5Participatory methods more effective than lecture-based civic education

Sources

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