“EDMAAJ-2” project is a second, advanced phase built upon the success story and outcomes of the initial phase (EDMAAJ-1). It aims to combat and counter the phenomenon of hate speech and bullying within Palestinian society, raising awareness about their severe psychological impacts, profound social consequences, and negative influence on the practice of active citizenship.

The second phase of the project focused on children and youth, particularly in schools, as well as young adults in universities and professionals working in the fields of psychology, social work, and community service. A variety of innovative programs and activities were implemented to combat the phenomenon, aiming to curb its widespread prevalence across segments of Palestinian society and reduce its long-term destructive psychological and physical impacts.

The project engaged more than 3,000 direct beneficiaries (both male and female) and over 150,000 indirect beneficiaries through:

1. Implementation of an intensive workshop program to build the capacities of professionals working in the fields of psychology and social work, as well as university students specializing in these disciplines. The program aimed to deepen their understanding of the characteristics, forms, and harmful impacts of hate speech and societal bullying, and to equip them with practical tools and strategies to prevent, combat, and mitigate its effects.

2. Designing and implementing a variety of community-based youth initiatives and activities aimed at reducing the prevalence of societal bullying and hate speech.

3. Developing a procedural guidance manual for professionals on how to address the phenomenon of hate speech and social bullying, with a particular focus on school educational counseling staff.

4. Implementing and leading creative and innovative awareness and advocacy campaigns to raise awareness about the phenomenon of hate speech and social bullying and its harmful impacts. Including:

– Producing awareness-raising radio and television spots targeting all segments of society.

- Organizing interactive theater performances for children in schools.

- Designing, producing, and distributing an interactive storybook for children—both in print and digital formats—focused on the issue of bullying.

- Designing, producing, and distributing an interactive 3D animated film for children to reject social bullying and hate speech.

- Conducting a series of in-school activities for children to raise awareness about the dangers of bullying and encourage them to avoid and reject it. These activities included distributing the interactive storybook, performing the theatrical play, and engaging with the designated awareness song.

- Producing an interactive children’s song about the phenomenon of bullying.

- Designing and producing community awareness videos that promote the rejection of hate speech and bullying in society, and raise awareness about their harms, in collaboration with social influencers.

“Edmaaj 2” project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).