Queen meets with youth from Shabab42 Foundation during visit to Madaba

AMMAN — Her Majesty Queen Rania visited the governorate of Madaba, on Monday, where she met with the founder and youth members of Shabab42 Foundation to discuss their efforts and work in youth empowerment.

During the meeting at Carob House farm-to-table community kitchen, café, and cultural space, Her Majesty talked to Shabab42 Foundation’s founder Hashem Masarweh, and some of its youth members about their initiatives in supporting local youth and women, reflecting on their limitless ambitions and their exceptional capacity to devise innovative solutions and ideas through perseverance, determination and hard work, according to a statement from Her Majesty’s office.

Shabab42 Foundation is a non-profit civil society organisation that aims to encourage active citizenship and communicate the principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law using various social development approaches and tools.

Addressing the youth over lunch at Carob House, Her Majesty pointed out that only they are the most equipped to define their priorities and needs, as well as the needs of their community.

The Queen went on to explain that the secret to success starts with not giving up, especially with today’s challenges. She also noted that exceptional individuals are those who transform life’s challenges into initiatives and ideas that leverage human ingenuity to achieve progress.

Commending the virtues of Jordan’s youth, Her Majesty said that the success stories she listened to today are a true reflection of their enthusiasm, commitment and perseverance, and announced her interest in supporting the foundation’s latest initiative.

Established in 2017, Shabab42 works on promoting social cohesion, accountability, and participation among Jordanian youth. Its projects engage young men and women in democratic participation, preservation of historic sights, green energy, and health awareness among other civic values. With over 3,000 participants in its various programmes and initiatives, the foundation has achieved significant recognition in Madaba.

Her Majesty concluded her visit by greeting Carob House’s founder, Rakan Mehyar, and its staff.