This engaging initiative, coordinated by CRISP in collaboration with the Youth Pioneer Society and funded by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung's Regional Programme Gulf States, offered a unique platform for young minds to dive into the complexities of national policymaking.
The Shebania Simulation Game was developed to provide a hands-on learning experience that immerses participants in the art of developing and implementing a National Youth Policy (NYP). Over the two-day workshop, attendees were transported to the fictional island of Shebania, where they assumed roles as policymakers, youth organization representatives, and everyday citizens. Their mission was to collaboratively design a comprehensive NYP that addressed critical areas such as political engagement, education, and social cohesion.
Throughout the simulation, participants gained valuable insights into the policy-making process, embracing a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives were welcomed and negotiated. The culmination of their efforts was a series of policy proposals, including create a youth impact assessment tool to evaluate the effects of proposed laws on young people, improving curriculums to match the evolving globalized world, and other initiatives to boost youth engagement through technology and volunteerism.
The workshop's outcomes materialized in actionable policy recommendations that reflected their understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing youth. Their proposals not only addressed educational and social needs but also laid the groundwork for long-term youth empowerment and engagement. The experience highlighted the potential of young people as catalysts for change and reinforced the value of inclusive, youth-driven policymaking in shaping a more dynamic and equitable future.
