USAID Youth Power Shoonah Jadideh Community Asset Mapping Report

The process of mapping is guided by youth, designed to enhance their agency, self-efficacy, and initiative programming. The CAM report is constituted from the results of mapping surveys, which are then used to guide the youth during the initiatives design phase. The community of Shoonah Jadideh, located in the Al Balqa Governorate, was the focus of the CAM assessment. A total of 205 participants, representing 93% Jordanian, 5% Palestinian, 1.5% Syrian, and 0.5% other nationalities, were surveyed. The age group surveyed ranged from 8-66, with 66% of the sample being less than 30 years old. The gender distribution was comparable between males and females, with 54% males and 46% females. The CAM assessment identified several areas of need in the community. In the category of Youth Development, participants reported that entertainment outlets, organized activities, libraries, and spaces for youth to gather were in need of improvement. Out of school learning services, such as knowledge stations, computer training, English skills, life skills, and tutoring, were also reported to be least accessible or non-existent. Mentorship and guidance programs, including local radio, psychological counseling, mentorship, and religious guidance, were also reported to be least available. In the category of School/Educational Environment, participants reported several issues with school services, including lack of equipment, lack of hygiene, unsafe infrastructure, lack of extracurricular activities, lack of private lessons, lack of mentorship, lack of connection to school environment, not enough space, not enough employees, and lack of teacher experience. Safety-related issues in schools, including bullying, physical abuse, and harassment, were also reported. Barriers to education, including lack of assistance for people with learning difficulties, transportation from/to school, stray animals, financial reasons, road safety, and lack of access to persons with disabilities, were also identified. The CAM assessment provides a comprehensive understanding of the needs and challenges faced by the community of Shoonah Jadideh. The findings of this assessment can be used to inform the design and implementation of initiatives aimed at addressing these needs and improving the lives of community members.