Desert Bloom

Desert Bloom To pursue our mission, we adopted a holistic and integrated approach combining interconnected four clusters of programs:

1. Capacity Development
2.

We improve life and transform the future by unleashing people’s full potential to contribute to the three pillars of sustainable development: Social Equity (People), Environmental Protection (Planet), and Economic Viability (Prosperity). We aim at unleashing people’s full potential to contribute to the three pillars of sustainable development: Social Equity (People), Environmental Protection (Planet), and Economic Viability (Prosperity). We develop solutions for socio-economic empowerment toward enabling people to take control of their wellbeing and improve the sustainability of their livelihoods. Interculturism & Peace-building
3. Volunteerism
4. Environmental sustainability. We envision an inclusive interconnected world where people are empowered to contribute to a more sustainable world. Hence, we encourage people to think globally, while acting locally. We reinforce global competence and universal morality promoting values of respect, cultural diversity, continuous improvement and self-confidence to create opportunities for all and advance a shared respect for human dignity. The history of Desert Bloom goes back to around the end of the second millennium, when a group of vibrant youth established "Self-Improvement initiative" at the University of Jordan Alumni Club to enhance graduates’ employability skills. The repercussions of world Trade Centre tragedy in 2001 incited the group to go global; hence, they form "Quested Peace Initiative" in 2002 to build bridges of understanding and restore trust between the West and the Middle. In 2004, Quested Peace joined the United Religions Initiative (URI), a global peace-building and Interfaith organization. In July 2018, Quested Peace changed its name to Desert Bloom.

🌍 Whispers from the Desert: Young People Connecting Nature, Culture and Sustainability in Croatia 🇭🇷From 17–25 August 20...
20/09/2026

🌍 Whispers from the Desert: Young People Connecting Nature, Culture and Sustainability in Croatia 🇭🇷

From 17–25 August 2026, young people from Europe, the Middle East and the South Mediterranean came together in Đurđevac, Croatia, for the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange “Whispers from the Desert”. The exchange brought together 30 young participants to explore the connections between nature, culture and sustainable development.
🇯🇴 Desert Bloom for Training & Sustainable Development (Jordan) participated in the project, contributing to this international learning and intercultural experience and representing Jordan within the exchange.

🤝 The project was coordinated by Althea Centre for Sustainable Development, Croatia, and was co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Programme.

🌿 Hosted in the unique landscape of Đurđevački pijesci, known as the “Croatian Sahara,” the exchange created space for participants to discover local natural and cultural heritage, explore different perspectives on desert life, and reflect on how nature can contribute to wellbeing and inner calm.

🌍 A central part of the exchange was intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding. Participants shared their cultures and traditions, worked together, and explored ways to challenge stereotypes and strengthen cultural acceptance between Europe, the Middle East and the South Mediterranean.

🌱 The programme also encouraged participants to explore sustainability and sustainable development, while discovering the strong links between people, culture, nature and the environment.

✨ Beyond the formal learning activities, participants built friendships, exchanged experiences, explored nature, stepped outside their comfort zones and created lasting intercultural connections.

The learning continues beyond the exchange, with participants encouraged to share their experiences and project results through online dissemination and community-based activities.

“Whispers from the Desert” demonstrated how international youth exchanges can create meaningful spaces for learning, intercultural understanding, environmental awareness and connection. 🌍🤝🌿

# URI MENA

Desert Bloom Hosts Turkish Ebru WorkshopIn a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange, Desert Bloom Turkish ESC voluntee...
12/09/2026

Desert Bloom Hosts Turkish Ebru Workshop

In a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange, Desert Bloom Turkish ESC volunteers Luiza Elkanova and Nuseyba Abazi invited community members to discover the beauty of Turkish heritage through a hands-on Ebru workshop.

Held as part of the Culture Cafe initiative by URI-MENA (United Religions Initiative – Middle East & North Africa), the workshop created an intimate and welcoming space where participants could learn about Ebru, experiment with its distinctive techniques, and connect with one another through art.

Discovering the Art of Ebru

Ebru, the traditional Turkish art of marbling, is a unique technique in which colorful pigments are floated on the surface of a specially prepared liquid and then transferred onto paper, creating intricate and often unpredictable patterns.

The process begins with natural pigments that are prepared and mixed with ox-gall, a traditional substance that helps the colors float on the liquid's surface. Artists then sprinkle, drop, or brush the pigments onto the water, manipulating them to create flowing designs before carefully placing paper over the surface to capture the image.

Ebru designs can feature a wide range of motifs, including flowers, leaves, ornamental patterns, latticework, mosques, and crescents. Historically, these designs were also used to embellish manuscripts and bookbindings.

More than a decorative art form, Ebru represents an important part of Turkish cultural heritage. Traditionally, its techniques, philosophy, and knowledge have been passed from master to apprentice, often through oral teaching and years of dedicated practice.

Art as a Bridge Between Communities

For participants at the Desert Bloom workshop, Ebru offered more than an opportunity to learn a traditional craft. The shared creative process became a space for conversation, curiosity, and connection.

Ebru can be practiced by people of different ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds, making it an accessible form of artistic expression and a powerful tool for bringing communities together. The collaborative atmosphere encourages participants to exchange ideas, build relationships, and appreciate cultural traditions beyond their own.

Through initiatives such as Culture Cafe, cultural heritage becomes something to experience rather than simply observe. The Desert Bloom workshop demonstrated how art can open doors to dialogue, foster mutual understanding, and create meaningful connections among diverse communities.

By introducing participants to the colors, techniques, and traditions of Ebru, Luiza and Nuseyba helped turn a traditional Turkish art form into a shared experience—one that brought people together through creativity and cultural discovery.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdMq0raAzlt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Free educational opportunity for young people فرصة تعلم مجانية للشباب The DiWeGa Virtual Exchange Programme offers young...
08/09/2026

Free educational opportunity for young people فرصة تعلم مجانية للشباب

The DiWeGa Virtual Exchange Programme offers young people aged 18–30 the opportunity to participate in one or more of six interactive virtual exchange sessions with young people from around the world.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

🧠 Explore mental wellbeing and develop healthier digital habits
💬 Share ideas and experiences through engaging discussions
🤝 Connect and collaborate with young people from different countries and cultures
🚀 Develop practical personal and digital skills
🎓 Receive a certificate upon completing the programme

📅 Save the Dates
31 October 2026
5 December 2026
6 February 2027
3 April 2027
5 June 2027
7 August 2027

Participants may join one or more sessions, depending on their availability and interests. The exact time and joining details will be shared with registered participants before each session.

🌍 Open to young people worldwide

🔗 Register here: https://forms.gle/WPrzAcmG9oH3sz7j9

Six sessions. Global connections. One meaningful experience.

I would greatly appreciate it if you could share it with young people in your networks and communities who may benefit from this opportunity.

What actually happens after an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange ends? 🤔✈️The travel might be over, but the real impact is just ge...
29/06/2026

What actually happens after an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange ends? 🤔✈️

The travel might be over, but the real impact is just getting started. The true value of these experiences shines when participants bring their new knowledge back home to uplift their own communities. 🌍🌱

Recently, five incredible volunteers returned to Jordan after participating in the "Common Ground" youth exchange in Morocco (hosted by Coconutwork, France. Inspired and ready to act, they partnered with [Tag URI MENA] and [Tag Desert Bloom] to facilitate a powerful, two-hour interactive workshop. 🇯🇴✨

The session brought local youth together to dive deep into two highly relevant topics:

⚽ Hate Speech in Sports: Participants tackled how toxic behavior manifests both online and in stadiums, its psychological impact, and how we can champion respectful, inclusive sports environments for young people.

📱 The Fake News Trap: Through hands-on, eye-opening activities, the group explored how quickly misinformation spreads, how easily we unknowingly contribute to it, and practical tools to verify facts before hitting "share."

It was an inspiring evening filled with meaningful debates, active problem-solving, and shared learning. We are incredibly proud of our volunteers for turning their international journey into direct local action. They are living proof of how youth can actively build more respectful and inclusive societies. 💪❤️

A heartfelt thank you to our brilliant volunteers, to everyone who attended, and to the [Tag European Union in Jordan / Erasmus+] for supporting the youth exchanges that empower the next generation to drive positive change. 🇪🇺🙌

👇 Let’s open the floor: Misinformation spreads fast, but fact-checking takes just a minute. What is your go-to rule or website for verifying news before you share it? Let us know in the comments!

Desert Bloom participated in Common Ground Youth Exchange, June 2026Building Common Ground Across the Euro-Mediterranean...
23/06/2026

Desert Bloom participated in Common Ground Youth Exchange, June 2026

Building Common Ground Across the Euro-Mediterranean! 🌍✨
From May 28 to June 5, 2026, young leaders gathered in Marrakech, Morocco, for the impactful youth exchange Common Ground! Hosted by Coconutwork and co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ program, this transformative week brought together youth-led organizations from across the region—including Desert Bloom from Jordan.
In an increasingly polarized world, youth find themselves on the front lines of online hate speech and divisive rhetoric. Common Ground tackled this by building small, repeatable everyday habits to de-escalate hostility and keep dialogue alive.
Participants mastered three core habits to navigate this ecosystem:
• 🧠 Thinking Critically: Using the "Pause, Check, Choose" routine to slow down and separate facts from framing.
• 🛡️ Responding Safely: Practicing five low-risk tools to defuse hostility (asking for sources, setting boundaries, moving to private chats, naming impact, and avoiding amplification).
• 🤝 Talking Across Differences: Embracing cultural and language codes to foster mutual respect across diverse Euro-Med contexts.
💬 Participant Reflections
"Learning the 'Pause, Check, Choose' routine showed me how often we react out of emotion online. Now, I can stop the cycle of hate speech before it spreads."
"Discussing sensitive topics like migration in a safe space allowed us to understand each other's real-world challenges and break down daily stereotypes."
By experiencing each other’s diverse realities firsthand, these young change-makers—including our team from Desert Bloom—are ready to bring these practical methods back to their schools, youth clubs, and local communities, laying the groundwork for a lasting international network.
A huge thank you to the European Union and all our brilliant partner organizations for making this exchange an unforgettable success!
Let’s keep building bridges! 🕊️❤️

URI MENA SALTO EuroMed@coconutwork

Desert Bloom Volunteers Participate in Erasmus+ Youth Exchange in Poland, May 2026A team of young volunteers from Desert...
19/06/2026

Desert Bloom Volunteers Participate in Erasmus+ Youth Exchange in Poland, May 2026

A team of young volunteers from Desert Bloom recently returned from Tuszyn, Poland, after participating in the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project, “Log Out to Connect – Youth Building Real Connections,” hosted by Kobiety dla Świata – Siostrzana Pomoc, Poland. The project brought together young people from Jordan, Poland, and Hungary from 22–30 May to explore the challenges of the digital age and promote healthier, more meaningful human connections.
Throughout the nine-day exchange, participants engaged in workshops, intercultural learning activities, and collaborative discussions focused on digital well-being, social and emotional skills, self-confidence, and intercultural understanding. The program encouraged young people to reflect on their relationship with technology and develop strategies for maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline life.
Jordanian participants actively contributed to sessions on digital wellness, sharing experiences and leading interactive activities on responsible technology use. The exchange also provided a valuable platform for cultural dialogue, enabling participants to showcase their traditions, learn from one another, and build lasting international friendships.
In addition to exploring the cultural heritage of the Łódź region, the participants strengthened their communication, teamwork, and leadership skills while promoting mutual respect and understanding across cultures.
Reflecting on the experience, participant Maryam Abuhani described the exchange as a valuable journey of personal growth and cultural discovery. She highlighted her contribution to discussions on digital well-being and noted that the experience reinforced the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline life while building meaningful international friendships.
Participant Raneen Alshawabkeh emphasized the value of representing Jordan and engaging in intercultural dialogue with young people from Poland and Hungary. She noted that sharing Jordan’s cultural heritage and learning about other cultures strengthened her communication skills, deepened her appreciation for diversity, and resulted in lasting cross-cultural friendships.
Participant Rahaf Abu Mayyaleh shared, "Spending a week with inspiring young leaders from Poland, Hungary, and Jordan was unforgettable. It highlighted our cultural and historical similarities while providing a safe space to discuss our differences, religions, and diverse perspectives.

During the program, I co-facilitated interactive sessions with Emad, guided my subgroup, and proudly represented Jordan during the Cultural Night and Jordan Day by leading activities that showcased our traditions and values.

Beyond gaining new skills, this journey was about building genuine cross-border friendships and strengthening intercultural understanding. I returned home with fresh ideas and a deeper belief that youth dialogue and collaboration are essential for a more inclusive world."
SALTO EuroMedKobiety dla Świata - Siostrzana Pomoc@

Upscale in ESCSouth-Med ESC Practitioners Strengthen Skills and Partnerships in TangierTangier, Morocco – June 2026 – Mo...
12/06/2026

Upscale in ESC
South-Med ESC Practitioners Strengthen Skills and Partnerships in Tangier

Tangier, Morocco – June 2026 – More than 30 dedicated European Solidarity Corps (ESC) practitioners from across the South-Mediterranean region came together in Tangier, Morocco, from 1–5 June 2026 to participate in the “Upscale in ESC” Training Course, a dynamic learning experience focused on improving the quality and impact of ESC projects.

The training, organized by the SALTO EuroMed, brought together ESC mentors, project coordinators, project managers, and representatives of organizations holding the European Solidarity Corps Quality Label from across the South-Mediterranean Region. Beyond being a professional development opportunity, the gathering created a vibrant space for participants to connect, learn from one another, and reflect on how to better support volunteers and strengthen solidarity initiatives in their communities.

Over three intensive days of workshops, discussions, and collaborative activities, participants shared real-life experiences, exchanged practical solutions, and explored new approaches to project management, volunteer mentoring, and organizational development. The interactive format encouraged open dialogue, allowing participants to discuss both successes and challenges they face in implementing ESC projects.

One of the most appreciated aspects of the training was the opportunity to learn directly from peers. Practitioners from different countries shared innovative methods, tested new tools, and explored ways to enhance volunteers’ learning journeys while ensuring high-quality project delivery.

"Meeting colleagues from across the region and hearing how they address similar challenges was incredibly inspiring," shared one participant. "I am returning home with fresh ideas, stronger connections, and practical tools that I can immediately apply in my work."

The training also focused on helping participants assess their contribution to the objectives of the European Solidarity Corps and identify opportunities for growth. Through group work and reflection sessions, they developed concrete action plans to improve their future projects and strengthen support systems for volunteers.

A particularly valuable outcome of the course was the strengthening of partnerships among South-Mediterranean organizations. Participants emphasized that collaboration, mutual learning, and the exchange of expertise are essential for creating meaningful and sustainable solidarity projects that respond to local and regional needs.

The learning journey began even before participants arrived in Tangier. An online onboarding session held on 4 May helped prepare attendees for the face-to-face programme, ensuring that everyone arrived ready to engage fully in the training. This combination of virtual preparation and in-person learning created a rich and comprehensive experience that fostered both professional development and regional cooperation.

As the training concluded, participants left Tangier with new knowledge, stronger professional networks, and renewed motivation to continue improving the quality of ESC projects across the South-Mediterranean region. The partnerships built, ideas generated, and action plans developed throughout the week are expected to contribute to more inclusive, impactful, and transformative solidarity initiatives in the years to come.
EuroMed

PeakED Project Stakeholders Explore the Complexity of Environmental Challenges in Mountain Ecosystems8 May 2026A diverse...
14/05/2026

PeakED Project Stakeholders Explore the Complexity of Environmental Challenges in Mountain Ecosystems
8 May 2026

A diverse group of 18 youth workers, environmental advocates, economists, and social enterprise representatives participated in an interactive environmental dialogue simulation organized by Deseret Bloom as part of the PeakED Project dissemination activities.

Held under the title “The Lithium Peak Paradox: Between Sacred Nature and Global Clean Energy Needs,” the workshop explored one of today’s most urgent ethical and environmental dilemmas through a fictional yet highly realistic crisis scenario.

At the center of the simulation was Emerald Mountain—a protected and spiritually sacred natural site discovered to contain one of the world’s largest lithium reserves. Lithium is a critical mineral used in electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage technologies, making it essential to the global green energy transition.

Through immersive role-play, debate simulations, and collaborative negotiation exercises, participants examined the complex relationship between climate action, economic development, biodiversity conservation, and cultural heritage protection.

Participants were divided into three stakeholder groups representing different perspectives:

The Green Faith Team, advocating for the protection of sacred lands, biodiversity, and intergenerational environmental stewardship.
The Pragmatic Team (Realist Economists), emphasizing economic resilience, job creation, and the urgent global demand for lithium to support the renewable energy transition.
The New Generation Science Team, proposing innovative technological solutions to reconcile environmental protection with responsible resource extraction.

The workshop created a dynamic space for critical thinking, dialogue, and constructive disagreement. Participants negotiated competing priorities while working together to develop practical policy recommendations.

Key discussions focused on pressing global issues, including climate justice, ethical mining, renewable energy transitions, indigenous and local community rights, and sustainable economic development.

Facilitators emphasized that the purpose of the exercise was not to reach a single “correct” solution, but rather to help participants better understand the complexity of real-world decision-making in a time of environmental and economic uncertainty.

One participant reflected on the experience, stating:

“A powerful reminder that sustainability is not only about technology or economics, but also about identity, ethics, spirituality, and the human relationship with nature.”

The workshop concluded with participants presenting hybrid policy proposals that combined environmental safeguards, technological innovation, community participation, and long-term economic planning.

Organizers highlighted the value of interactive educational tools in empowering young people to engage with global sustainability challenges through dialogue, empathy, and evidence-based decision-making.

This event forms part of wider efforts to promote environmental awareness, conflict-sensitive dialogue, and youth engagement in shaping fair and inclusive approaches to the global energy transition.

The PeakED Project (2023-1-EL02-KA220-YOU-000159297) is co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Programme. The project aims to empower young people and professionals through Living Laboratories, enabling them to co-create innovative conservation and socio-economic solutions for mountain ecosystems.

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Al Raa'fa Street
Amman
11194

Opening Hours

Monday 10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 05:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 05:00
Thursday 09:00 - 05:00
Saturday 09:00 - 05:00
Sunday 09:00 - 05:00

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