From animator to climate activist: Jihad’s story of change
As an animator from Amman, Jordan, with an academic background in computer graphics and animation, 25-year-old Jihad Ali is used to using her skills to create something new and exciting. It wasn’t until she combined these skills with her passion for environmental activism, however, that she discovered just how powerfully she could use her talents.
Growing up in Jordan, Jihad was aware of her country’s vulnerability to climate change – she could see it in the arid conditions, severe water scarcity and the country’s dependence on imported energy. Rather than despairing, these concerns became her fuel, motivating her to embark on a journey that has taken her well beyond her role as an animator.
Her first port of call was ActionAid, which she joined as a volunteer, inspired by our commitment to fostering just, feminist, resilient, and green societies through young people’s action. To Jihad, this mission really aligned with Jordan’s needs in facing climate change challenges.
Over the next five years, Jihad volunteered at other renowned organisations, including UNICEF and OXFAM, but it was her involvement with Drabzeen Human Development (DHD) that marked a transition from volunteering to leadership. As a youth leader, she was an integral part of various projects, eventually becoming a member of the youth core team and the We4Climate initiative.
In October 2021, Jihad decided to participate in the SPA II project as part of ActionAid Arab Region’s (AAAR) Humanitarian and Resilience Program. This was a pivotal moment for her career in environmental activism. She loved SPA II's peer-to-peer training approach, which equipped young people with knowledge on the green economy, recycling, and climate change concepts. Armed with this knowledge, Jihad felt empowered to implement impactful advocacy campaigns that emphasised the need for local community awareness.
SPA II's innovative approach provided a nurturing space for her and her contemporaries to plan and execute initiatives at a grassroots level. She attributes the project's success to this unique aspect, emphasising the role of commitment and engagement. Importantly, Jihad points out that DHD's guidance further reinforced participants' understanding of their roles within the broader context of environmental action, which is a powerful motivator.
It was ActionAid’s Global Platforms Network (GP) that most impacted her trajectory, though.
"Introduced to DHD and GP by my sister, my involvement with ActionAid evolved from volunteering to leadership,” Jihad says. “GP became the platform and safe space where my journey flourished, engaging in diverse projects and initiatives. It's a testament to the transformative power of ActionAid in nurturing leaders from within."
Jihad's persistence and passion for climate justice led to her selection for a ten-day climate justice discussion in Tanzania, organized by SPAII. Upon her return, it was important to Jihad to share her experiences of this event, which she found so impactful. She was interviewed as an environmental activist on a renowned radio station, and went on to participate in climate conferences, including COY18 in Dubai, amplifying her voice on the global stage.
Through its commitment to comprehensive training and exposure to global perspectives, SPA II empowers youth like Jihad with the tools necessary for sustainable development. Jihad envisions a future where her skills contribute to global initiatives, showcasing the profound impact youth can have when provided with the tools, space, and opportunities to make a difference.
It’s here where her story comes full circle. She is now working on a personal project: an animated movie aimed at educating youth about climate action, translating her commitment into tangible initiatives. Jihan believes that individual actions can be a catalyst for change – and you only have to read her story to see that she’s right.
