The AMEL Institute
The AMEL Institute leverages the power of technology to empower young changemakers, building knowledge and skills so that they can better lead effective and inclusive change. The aim is to fill dangerous knowledge gaps and transfer know-how from experienced activists and experts to bold and visionary young leaders who are taking action to build more open, safe and thriving societies. Equipped with these skills and strong networks of likeminded young leaders, AMEL trainees will be able to step up their change-making locally and nationally, while creating momentum regionally and globally to advance dignity and rights for all.
background
Launched in 2019, the AMEL Institute draws upon decades of experience in civic activism and proven training and empowerment projects for young changemakers developed by AMEL's leadership. Leveraging this experience, and that of renowned experts, such as Prof. Larry Diamond of Stanford University, unparalleled online training programs have been created and piloted by AMEL.
tracks
The AMEL Institute currently has two program tracks:
The Regional Track - online training program to fill knowledge- and skill-gaps of the young generation of civil society activists all across the Middle East and Africa (MEA). The training covers the topics of Human Rights, Genocide Prevention (including Holocaust and Yazidi case studies), Democracy, Nonviolent Movements, Peace & Conflict, Gender Equity, Activist Safety & Self-Care (including mental health), and Communications for Activism (tools and techniques).
The Tailored Track - programs tailored to a specific country, or specific mission-aligned topic(s). Past tailored programs include 100 Citizens for Social Cohesion, CommLeaders and Global Allyship, and current tailored programs include Sudan Democracy Action.
impact
The AMEL Institute fills critical gaps - while frontline activists are the best placed to lead change, most have knowledge gaps and have not had much activism training before participating in an AMEL course. Feedback collected from Institute trainees is consistently positive, with strong majorities affirming that our training helped them to become better activists and leaders. Read more about the impact of the 2024 programs in external evaluation reports available here (full report) and here (brief presentation). While the external evaluation reports of the 2025 programs are not yet available, internal analysis of the data shows close alignment with the 2024 reports.
For the past few years, AMEL Institute’s regional track has been training 400-600 civic activists annually, with cohorts every Spring and Summer. The Spring 2025 edition took place from April to June and the Summer 2025 edition from July to September - training a total of more than 650 young changemakers across Africa and the Middle East. AMEL intends to expand the program during 2026 - check back soon for updates!
The tailored track — Sudan Democracy Action — also offers online training programs multiple times during the year, with 300+ Sudanese young leaders in each cohort. The next cohort will take place in early 2026, check here for updates. We are also working to build new tailored programs, fellowships and more - watch this space for news!
Sign Up to be Notified
Sign up here to be notified when we start accepting applications for subsequent AMEL Institute regional training programs!