Through English language and related life skills development, the British Council’s Empowerment global programme builds resilience, broadens horizons, and provides agency and voice for young people who may have been displaced, affected by conflict, crisis or misunderstanding, or are from disadvantaged backgrounds or isolated communities. Empowerment is seen as a spectrum, and while language skills alone cannot overcome structural obstacles, they are vital tools for advocating for rights, representation, and change within marginalised communities.
SARD – Stories of Adversity, Resilience and Determination
SARD is a programme designed specifically to encourage Palestinians to share their stories, and the stories of their culture and heritage, with each other and with the world. Through creative and community-based projects, SARD supports storytelling, cultural expression, English language development, and creative skills among Palestinian communities.
The programme was inspired by the stories and impact of projects delivered through our 2024 Language for Resilience grants. Building on this foundation, SARD continues to support initiatives that use creativity and cultural exchange to foster dialogue, build partnerships, preserve heritage and create meaningful connections between communities.
Applying to SARD
The SARD call for applications opens annually in January. Applications for the current cycle are now closed.
If you are interested in applying for future rounds, read Sard Application Guidance, where you can find information on eligibility criteria, the application process, key dates and timelines, and other guidance to help you prepare your application.
