JRS works to foster social cohesion, peacebuilding, and well-being in the countries of the Middle East, drawing on its expertise in helping the most vulnerable while being sensitive to the dynamic environment within each country.

The attempts to build social cohesion in post-conflict communities are reinforced by intentional efforts to foster positive peace and create safe spaces. JRS defines “social cohesion” as an extent of solidarity and inclusivity, so that people living within the target areas are increasingly able to access basic services and participate in social and economic life, no matter what identity group they come from. JRS defines “peacebuilding” as direct work to address communal factors driving and mitigating conflict.

Closely connected to efforts to work for peace and to build communal cohesion are mental health and psychosocial well-being. Healing is necessary for peace and solidarity, and peacebuilding is fundamental to cure the emotional and psychological wounds of the war and the conflicts, as well as the heavy daily stressors faced by the people of the Middle East.

The overall goal of the programme is the transformation of the communities where JRS is present. This project is based on the idea of creating spaces where transformation can happen. In this approach, communal transformation starts with each individual and depends not only on the transfer of attitudes, knowledge, and skills but also on the quality of relationships built during the training sessions and other encounters.

JRS places a high priority on an integrated response that combines humanitarian needs, capacity development, awareness, and peacebuilding strategies for youth, parents, and members of the community. By doing so, JRS aims to strengthen the resilience of the household, empower youth, advance long-lasting solutions generated together with the communities, and attend to the most pressing needs of crisis-affected areas.

The participation of women and youth in the Community Building programme is prioritised, taking into account the roles they play in the community and their status as among the most vulnerable.