WHO WE ARE
Changing Lives (CL) is a unique humanitarian program aiming to enrich cross-cultural communication between the West and the Arab world. CL is one of a number of programs run by the Majid AlSadi Charity Foundation (UK).
With heightened tension polarizing debate about the Arab world and the West, there is a dire need for increased mutual understanding between peoples and cultures.
CL contributes to improving this understanding by creating the space and circumstances for youth from the West and the Arab world to meet, learn and experience the other’s life and culture.
CL began by helping University of Coventry students to visit Jordan and engage with local humanitarian organisations involved in issues common to Jordanian’s everyday lives. CL has since grown to encompass a range of Jordanian organisations and Western universities.
Bringing different groups of youth together helps develop realistic understandings of one another. Participating youth take these experiences on into their future careers and endeavors, changing their lives and the lives of those around them by spreading positive learning experiences.
Local organisations benefit from the program by gaining international experience and exposure from the Western students’ visits.
Over 140 Western university students have participated in 10 successful CL programs, with CL gaining support from the Royal Hashemite Court, the British Embassy in Jordan and the British Council.