In-Depth
Childhood

Childhood is a formative phase in every person’s life. During these early years, the foundation is laid for many aspects of our personality and our lives, including our self-image. Approximately 30 percent of the population in our region is currently under the age of 15, more than 50 percent are under the age of 25. RUYA highlights young changemakers from the region – from Tunisia to Lebanon to the UAE –, who are actively trying to have already a positive influence through whichever field they chose to concentrate on, be it technology, inclusion, environmental protection, education, children’s rights, gender equality or others.

Four children of different ethnicity are standing at a gray table. They are engaged in various activities. One is reading, one is trying to fix something, one is playing with a car, and one is looking at a heart. A map of the world can be seen in the background.

©Private

Childhood4 min
The Opportunities I could not find, I learned to build

What do young people lack to have a key impact on climate? Is access to international scenes necessary? And can the gap be bridged between local and global youth climate activism? From a small town in Jordan, where water scarcity dictated her daily routine with her family, to global climate spaces, Rahaf Abu Mayyaleh about climate activism and a journey shaped by one simple belief: young people do not need to wait to create change.

Jordan
©Private

Childhood3 min
The Right to Inherit a Living Planet

One tree changed Ghaya Alhababi’s life and inspired her to become one of the youngest environmental activists in the region. Determined to make a difference, she kept going despite setbacks, disappointments, and people’s lack of interest in environmental issues. Ghaya Alhababi discusses what sparked her passion, the challenges she faces along the way, and her efforts to get more people involved in protecting the environment.

United Arab Emirates
©Private

Childhood4 min
From One Inhaler to a Movement: My Journey to Defend the Right to Health

What if one family member or a neighbor is in dire need of medication which is out of stock amid a political crisis? Can an Instagram post save a person’s life? What if the crisis is prolonged? How can one create more sustainable on-ground actions? Marina El Khawand discusses founding Medonations, being the first healthcare provider of its kind in Lebanon, as well as the manifold challenges she encounters and how she manages them.

Lebanon

In-Depth Childhood

In-Depth
Childhood