MANARA Youth Coexistence Initiative
a cASe+ program
Program overview
The Manara Youth Coexistence Initiative ignites a movement of university students across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond, empowering them to become ambassadors of coexistence, dialogue, and mutual understanding. In partnership with the Manara Center for Coexistence and Dialogue, this experiential learning program challenges students to research, create, and activate projects promoting tolerance and social harmony.
Through hands-on learning and collaboration, students develop practical tools that address intolerance and foster coexistence within their own communities. The Manara Youth Coexistence Initiative is built around three interconnected experiences: Lights of Coexistence, Bridges of Coexistence, and Allies of Coexistence - each focused on transforming understanding into action.
by the numbers
316+
students engaged
12+
countries across 20+ cities throughout the Middle East and Africa
45+
community partnerships
500,000+
people engaged throughout the program
project spotlight
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Ubuntu for Peace
The American University of Nigeria team turns ideas of sustainability, dialogue, and coexistence into real action. Built on the belief that peace grows strongest when built by the people themselves, the student team has helped a community dig and repair wells for clean water access, plant hundreds of trees, and brought farmers and herders together in constructive dialogue.
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Taste of Unity
The Universiti of Malaysia’s Allies of Coexistence project, Taste of Unity, used food as a universal language to foster connection, celebrate cultural diversity, and promote harmony among people of diverse backgrounds. Taste of Unity increased their community’s understanding of cultural diversity and engaged diverse people in meaningful discourse around coexistence.
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Bridge
The National University of Sciences and Technology, Pakistan team’s “Bridge” is a transformative web-based interactive game designed to tackle intolerance by promoting inclusivity and empathy. Bridge leverages technology to teach societal tolerance and coexistence through a role-playing game designed for youth.
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Rufescent
The University of Wollongong team’s “Rufescent” is an impactful social awareness campaign addressing stereotypes and discrimination faced by marginalized communities during conflicts. The team developed a transmedia approach, featuring an engaging social media campaign, an interactive online platform, community outreach events, graphic novels, and a documentary.
outcomes
The Manara Youth Coexistence Initiative (MYCI) showcases the power of youth-driven dialogue to bridge divides and strengthen communities through understanding, collaboration, and shared purpose. By combining research, education, and partnership, MYCI: