Gazan rapper Ayman Mghamis explains how learning hip hop has empowered young people to speak out about their life behind the blockade.

Hanar Shaat, a 21-year-old student from Khan Younis, describes the needs and aspirations of young Gazans.

Eman Mohammed is a 21 year old photojournalist and blogger based in Gaza City. She seeks to portray the positive potential of the Gaza Strip despite the harsh realities she documents through her photography.

Eman Mohammed recounts her experience of meeting the Elders and explains that Gazans simply want to live in a quiet, peaceful place free from human rights violations and widespread crime.

Dina Kraft explores the challenges facing young Israelis and Palestinians.

Why wait for someone else to solve the problems? Anees Barghouthy gives an example of young Palestinians taking proactive action to make a difference in their communities.

Eighteen-year-old student Zaina Abu Hamda blogs about the humiliation and helplessness she endures at the Qalandia checkpoint on her way to school.

Frustrated by the lack of youth participation in the decision-making process, Zaher Bassioni set out to establish a youth organisation alongside similar-minded young people. Here, he blogs about his vision for a secular Palestinian society - one that practises peace, promotes democracy, and respects individual freedoms.

Shira Avni, from Beit Yehudit - The International Cultural Centre for Youth (ICCY) in Emek Refaim, blogs about getting local residents to actively participate in the decision making that affects their lives.

Drawing on her experience with the Ihud Hahaklai youth movement, Tal Madar argues that informal education can help young people to become thoughtful and engaged members of their communities.