ROTA’s 10th Annual Youth Conference EMPOWER 2018-Effective Citizenship
Project Status
Throughout the conference various dimensions of Youth and Effective Citizenship will be examined, including: cultural, social & community, and economic. The focus will be on showing examples and discussing how youth can appropriately express their loyalty and effective citizenship through each of these dimensions.
1.1 CULTURAL/ARTISTIC EXPRESSIONS
It is very important for youth to embrace and hold on to their believes, ethics and morals. Being proud and honoured of your culture at the same time understanding and knowing the country’s history and culture is very important. Especially for youth as they are considered ambassadors of their countries at all times. It is expressed not only in respecting other cultures but also in their communications, freedom of speech, actions and lifestyle. How to strengthen these morals in youth and how it reflects their citizenship it what need to be highlighted. There have been many cases of instant expression through arts and culture. For example, young Qatari artist Ahmed bin Majed Almaadheed drew an image of HH The Emir, which has been spreading virally through social media. The art piece was then turned into giant portraits where many young Qataris and Qatar residents have gathered to sign their names on it and affirm their support for him and the country. Likewise, Qatari songwriter Dana Al Fardan created a new song which shows her strong support and solidarity with Qatar during this time. The song sends a message of unity and strength to the people of this country and showcases love for each other and the strongly held community based values. Also, the legendary Qatari actor, TV presenter and writer Mr. Ghanim Al Sulaity acted in a miniseries that highlighted the important effect of Art in building values and criticizing society’s reality. The role of political art theater which aims toward criticizing regulations, rulers and officials, by being the voice of the public. Another example, the caricaturist artist Mr. Mohammed Abdulateef from Al-Raya Newspaper using his artistic drawings and sketching in a simplified or exaggerated way to communicate a message or a fact. However, such expressions need to be deeper and more focused on the method of believes, ethics and morals and there comes our role in guiding youth to more productive ways in expressing that.
1.2 SOCIAL & COMMUNITY EXPRESSIONS
This dimension is understood as the process of acting individually and collectively to change social relationships and discourses that relate to the country. This dimension may also focus on youth education, knowledge, skills and learning opportunity which is provided by the various local/International organization to make positive contributions to their community/country in a safe environment. Allowing them to address or recognize a particular social issue. Hence, reflect their feelings of being respected, trusted and valued by their society and their country to become active, loyal and engaged citizens. Moreover, enhancing the community through improving communication and creating a network of support to mobilize the community to address concerns. Young people in Qatar have displayed many examples of Social and Community expression. For example the #WeAreQatar a hashtag campaign, which has been trending on Twitter and Facebook. Conversations and viral content (much of which created and shared by youth) has helped to shape a positive dialogue around important issues throughout the crisis.
1.3 ECONOMIC EXPRESSIONS
This may be reflected in terms of keeping the local economy alive by supporting and purchasing the local products at the same time investing in the country which will boost the country’s economy. Youth must utilize their creative entrepreneurial skills in taking ownership of their assets and work harder to have income security, without depending on the monthly income from their governmental employment (Small & Medium Enterprises).
