According to a 2012 study, girls growing up in underserved populations face increased risk of mental illness, depression, anxiety, and poor self-esteem – all of which can negatively affect girls’ success in the classroom, workforce, and relationships. The MENA-USA Empowering Resilient Girls Exchange (MERGE), which ran from 2021-2023, inspired participants to learn about their own mental health and develop emotional resilience, and, in turn, to share this knowledge with their communities.
MERGE was a series of eight-week open enrollment virtual exchanges for 15–19-year-old girls in the United States and the Middle East/North Africa. In the first week, participants explored, learned, and shared practical approaches to building resilience within themselves and their communities. Participants were introduced to each other and their small group facilitator through various cultural exchange activities. The next five weeks were devoted to introducing a range of stress-relief and coping techniques, which the participants experimented with individually and in small groups. Specific techniques included journaling, exercise, meditation, positive thoughts and affirmations, and nutrition. Participants learned the science behind each strategy and why building these skills in themselves and their communities is beneficial. During the exchange’s final two weeks, participants worked in five-person teams, with the guidance of their facilitator, to showcase their newfound knowledge by creating a video presentation or implementing an in-person activity in their community.
Global Ties U.S. completed four program cohort between 2021-2023, engaging more than 600 young women from the United States, Middle East, and North Africa. Participants were recruited with the help of several of our Community-Based Members, including Council for International Visitors to Iowa Cities, Global Ties Akron, Global Ties Sacramento, the International Center of the Capital Region, San Diego Diplomacy Council, the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, and the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire, WorldChicago, and WorldOrlando. In Jordan, Reclaim Childhood recruited participants from low-income Jordanian communities, as well as refugee populations. TIBU Maroc recruited from its sports empowerment programs across Morocco.
Based on our pre- and post-program questionnaires, participants reported two primary impacts from the exchange. First, they increased their openness to people from different cultures, and specifically participants from the United States learned about Middle Eastern/North African cultures and vice-versa. Second, the participants learned new skills for coping with stressors that they will be able to apply in their lives. Further project impact will come through participants sharing those skills in their communities.
The MENA-USA Empowering Resilient Girls Exchange (MERGE), implemented by Global Ties U.S., is supported by the Stevens Initiative, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by the Aspen Institute. The Stevens Initiative is also supported by the Bezos Family Foundation and the governments of Morocco and the United Arab Emirates.
