The Free Youth Course: Introduction to Liberalism
Inspiring the Next Generation: Exploring Liberal Thought
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) successfully concluded the latest edition of the Free Youth Course: Introduction to Liberalism at the Hilton Hotel, Dead Sea. This initiative brought together 24 young participants eager to delve into the principles of liberalism, fostering critical discussions on ideology, governance, and individual freedoms within the Arab world. The course marks the first in a series of five, with each edition set to engage a new group of participants, further expanding the reach of liberal thought and dialogue in the region.
An Engaging Learning Experience
Over three intensive days, participants explored fundamental concepts such as the historical evolution of liberalism, the rule of law, and the relationship between liberal values and religion. Led by expert facilitators Khalil Abu Nijmeh and Abdallah Abdoh, the sessions provided a comprehensive overview of liberal ideology. A special highlight was the session on “Islam and Liberalism,” presented by esteemed guest speaker Dr. Amer Al Hafi, which sparked meaningful discussions on the intersection of faith and freedom.
Interactive elements, including the “Market of Values” exercise and various team-building activities, ensured that learning was not just theoretical but also experiential. These activities encouraged participants to analyse, debate, and internalise key liberal principles in an engaging and dynamic manner.
Participants Reflections
The course left a lasting impression on attendees, who shared their experiences with enthusiasm and appreciation. One participant reflected:
“At the end of my participation in the Free Youth Course, I had expanded my understanding of liberalism within Arab society and its relationship with religion. Learning about different ideologies and values has been invaluable. We sincerely thank FNF for this enriching experience.”
Another participant described the course as transformative:
“I’m proud to say that I am an Arab Muslim liberal. This course was not just about the historical evolution of liberalism or its connection to the Arab world and religion—it was about questioning our beliefs and understanding where we truly stand. I realized that liberalism is not a rigid framework but an evolving idea shaped by context. Freedom, I learned, is a responsibility—it requires critical thinking, deconstructing ideas, and rebuilding convictions based on knowledge rather than indoctrination.”
Expanding the Reach of Liberal Thought
The Free Youth Course continues to serve as a crucial platform for equipping young minds with the intellectual tools to engage with liberalism in an informed and constructive manner. Through rigorous discussions, expert insights, and interactive activities, participants leave with a deeper appreciation of liberal principles and their relevance to contemporary societal challenges.
As part of a larger initiative, this course is the first of five scheduled Free Youth Courses throughout the year. With each new cohort, we aim to further amplify the impact of its mission, fostering a stronger liberal community in Jordan and nurturing future advocates for democracy and individual freedoms.
The Free Youth Course is more than just an educational experience—it is a movement towards open dialogue, critical thinking, and the empowerment of young leaders in the Arab world.
