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BALADNA's work serves the needs and addresses the well-being of Arab youth in Israel who are amongst the country’s most marginalized groups that suffers from an underprivileged status as “second-class citizens” deprived of their most basic civil rights, as a national and ethnic minority which has been the target of discriminatory policies and practices, widespread injustice and neglect on behalf of the State.
Baladna-Association for Arab Youth was, founded in 2001 and it is the largest independent youth organization working with the Arab Palestinian community in Israel . The organization’s overall goal is to enable and strengthen Arab youth’ s understanding and use of the principles of democracy, gender equality, pluralism, tolerance and human rights. In conjunction with this, Baladna engages youth in discussions and debates concerning their identity and historical context as Palestinians as well as socio-political issues facing Palestinians in Israel. Baladna’s mission is to enable ,empower, and educate Palestinian youth in Israel so that they can recognize and stand up for their social and political rights through grassroots generated activism and civil society work. Therefore, we mobilize Palestinian youth through grassroots community projects, creating opportunities for networking, exchange and collaboration. Baladna is actively working with schools, youth groups and activists, both on a local and national level, organizing workshops, training and other educational activities. Our programs are inter-connected through shared activities and by creating networking opportunities between youth groups within the different projects. Throughout the years, we have developed several training manuals available to the public, which are being used by many Palestinian civil society bodies in their work with youth and other sectors. Through our projects we cooperate with numerous local civil society organizations, grassroots networks of youth in the West Bank and internationally. In developing such partnerships we discover shared goals and create openings for cooperation. We have extensive experience working with youth and organizing activities to inspire the new generation for social and political activism, leading to community change.
Baladna's aims are:
- Support deprived Arab youth in Israel, to develop more opportunities in life and to face political and social challenges, through grassroots activism
-Strengthening values of democracy, pluralism and tolerance within the Arab society in general, and among youth in particular.
- Fostering and encouraging leadership skills and creativity among Arab youth.
- Fostering and encouraging volunteering and activism within the Arab Youth sector in Israel.
-Nurturing the Arab identity and culture among Arab youth.