Amman, May 17 (Petra) -- The Culture, Youth, and Sports Committee of the Senate met on Sunday with representatives from various youth associations and grassroots initiatives based in the Zarqa governorate to discuss expanding social volunteerism and national development programs.

Haifa Al-Najjar, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee, led the meeting at the Senate headquarters, which reviewed the operational roles of several regional groups, including the "Smile Maker" initiative, the "We Are All Behind the Leader" team, the Ghosoun Association for Culture and Heritage, and the Youth Association for Cultural Development.

Al-Najjar emphasized the necessity of youth empowerment and their active integration into civic initiatives to solidify the values of citizenship. She noted that young people form the structural foundation of Jordan’s development and modernization processes, adding that supporting their entrepreneurial thinking directly yields positive societal outcomes.

The committee chairwoman stated that His Majesty King Abdullah II places a high priority on the youth sector, a focus closely followed by HRH Crown Prince Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II, to foster creative talents and scale up voluntary and cultural initiatives. This ongoing institutional support aims to prepare a generation capable of contributing effectively to national construction, she added.

Al-Najjar stressed the importance of cultivating an environment that stimulates entrepreneurial ideas, allowing young Jordanians to launch qualitative projects that support the educational, cultural, tourism, social, health, and environmental sectors, while empowering them to address contemporary challenges.

Representatives from the "Smile Maker" initiative outlined their organization's efforts to generate positive community impacts by honoring impactful citizens, launching humanitarian campaigns for disadvantaged families, supporting micro-projects, and assisting persons with disabilities to enhance social solidarity.

Spokespersons for the "We Are All Behind the Leader" team and the Ghosoun Association for Culture and Heritage detailed their respective programs aimed at guiding young men and women toward fields that match their skill sets. Their activities include organizing educational programs for orphans and assisting underprivileged students through rehabilitation and training tracks designed to secure sustainable employment and economic independence.

Meanwhile, leaders of the Youth Association for Cultural Development explained that their organization focuses on discovering and nurturing youth talent, promoting a culture of charity and volunteerism, and encouraging community participation to build an informed generation capable of public service.

Senate committee members concluded the meeting by urging stronger institutional networking and strategic partnerships between official state entities and civil society youth initiatives across all of Jordan's governorates to institutionalize youth work and achieve long-term sustainability.

The lawmakers underscored the importance of building youth awareness rooted in national identity, the Jordanian historical narrative, and constructive dialogue to strengthen national unity. They also recommended utilizing youth energy to promote historical tourism sites and supporting community service initiatives designed by school students.

//Petra// AF