In my work on social innovation and systems change, I focus on developing community-driven solutions that are both sustainable and scalable. I believe that real change happens when individuals within communities are empowered to take ownership of their challenges and co-create solutions that fit their cultural and social contexts. Through initiatives like We Love Reading, I work to build grassroots movements that promote education, empathy, and resilience, especially in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.

My approach to systems change is rooted in shifting mindsets as much as structures. I aim to influence not only individual behaviors but also the policies, narratives, and institutions that shape society. By integrating scientific research with social action, I strive to create models that address complex challenges holistically—linking education, health, and social well-being. Ultimately, my goal is to catalyze long-term transformation by nurturing local leadership, fostering collaboration, and creating ecosystems where positive change can thrive and sustain itself across generations.

Select Publications:Select Publications

• Dajani WEF: Why refugees need a better chance at professional development https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/05/refugees-work-professional-development/

• Dajani WEF: New model for funding Social enterprises https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/05/new-model-for-funding-social-enterprise-think-local/

• Dajani WEF: How investing in social impact networks can spur innovation and change https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/01/how-investing-in-social-impact-networks-spurs-innovation-and-change/

• Dajani WEF: Social entrepreneurs and scientists systems change https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/11/social-entrepreneurs-and-scientists-system-change/

• Dajani WEF: 6 steps to becoming a successful social entrepreneur. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/08/6-steps-to-become-a-successful-social-entrepreneur/

• Dajani R, From Readers to Changemakers: Reading Aloud to Develop Learners Who Love to Read https://ceinternational1892.org/article/from-readers-to-changemakers/

• Bakhti, R., Mareschal, I., El Kharouf, A., Dajani, R., Qtaishat, L., von Stumm, S., & Hadfield, K. (2024). Exploring Factors Related to the Development and Implementation of a Local Intervention Program for Syrian Refugee Children. Journal of Immigrant & Refugee Studies, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/15562948.2024.2428305

• Hadfield K, Al-Hamad M, Bakhti R, Dajani R, El Kharouf A, Michalek J, Mukunzi J, Qtaishat L, Sethi T, von Stumm S, Mareschal I. Predictors of Literacy and Attitudes Toward Reading Among Syrian Refugee Children in Jordan. Int J Early Child. 2022 Sep 9:1-21. doi: 10.1007/s13158-022-00334-x. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36105520; PMCID: PMC9461418.

• Mahasneh, Randa & Suchodoletz, Antje & Larsen, Ross & Dajani, Rana. (2020). Reading for pleasure among Jordanian children: a community‐based reading intervention. Journal of Research in Reading. 44. 10.1111/1467-9817.12342.

• Dajani R, Promising Practices in Refugee Education: We love reading: Promoting literacy and education through reading aloud in community settings 2017 published by Pearson and Save the Children International

We Love Reading

I have founded a community evidence based program “We Love Reading (WLR)” whose mission is changing mindsets through reading to nurture change makers. The program has spread to 71 countries around the world and established over 8000 WLR ambassadors reaching over half a million children and created 35 children books. Partnered with multiple organizations and universities. and won multiple awards: Synergos Arab world social innovators 2009, Clinton Global Initiative 2010, Library of Congress best practices 2013, World Innovation Summit in Education Award 2014, King Hussein Medal of Honor 2014, Star Award 2015, IDEO.org best refugee education program 2015, UNESCO International Literacy Prize 2017, World Literacy Council Award 2018 and the Jacobs social entrepreneurship award 2018, Science, Technology and Innovation Award UN 2019, Ashoka Fellow 2019, UNHCR Nansen Refugee awardee 2020, Schwab Social entrepreneur 2022. Fair Saturday Award 2022 Hundred education 2022 and Skoll fellow 2024. As a social entrepreneur I am chair of the MENA and Jordan chapters and on the governing councils of Catalyst2030. I represent the Social innovation sector at the UN, World Bank, World economic Forum and others. Established the first competition for scientists and social innovation in Jordan