This report captures findings from the final evaluation of the project “Tourathna – Our Shared Heritage,” implemented by Search Jordan in partnership with Royal Institute for Interfaith Dialogue (RIIFS) . The project was funded by the U.S Department of State, and implemented from October 2018 to May 2020 in targeting six historical and religious sites in five governorates of Jordan: Irbid, Ajloun, Madaba, Aqaba, and Salt.
The project aimed to empower local communities, increase mutual respect, preserve religious-cultural heritage, and foster inter-religious dialogue and cooperation. This goal was supported by two specific objectives. Firstly, to increase local communities’ understanding of the importance of a shared national heritage, and secondly, to empower local communities to preserve and promote diverse religious and cultural heritage sites to national and international audiences.
The final evaluation highlights how the project successfully promoted a shared recognition of the interfaith value of cultural heritage sites in six historical and religious sites around Jordan. 80% of interviewed CBO staff members reported an increase in cooperation between community stakeholders, 90% of interviewed youth storytellers believed the project activities had promoted cultural heritage in target areas, 90% of interviewed youth storytellers believed the project activities had promoted cultural heritage in target areas, 95% of interviewed youth storytellers believed the project had a significant impact on youth. Moreover, the majority of staff interviewed from Search, RIIFS, and CBOs, as well as youth storytellers, agreed that more efforts are needed to ensure the project’s sustainable impact.
