- 01 Jun 2021
Since February, we have partnered with Education for Employment (EFE – Jordan) to train around 150 Syrian refugees and host community members in Jordan to improve their employability and livelihood skills. The training is part of our Skills4Work project, funded by the European Regional Development and Protection Programme (RDPP II) for Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq, which is supported by the Czech Republic, Denmark, the European Union, Ireland, and Switzerland. It covers soft and technical skills for manufacturing sectors including garments, plastics, food processing, and cosmetics and chemicals. To guarantee social inclusion, we have trained refugees and host communities across different governorates including Amman, Ajloun, and Irbid. We targeted both urban and rural areas like Marka, Sweileh, Al Shuna Al Shamalyeh, and N’aymeh; where 116 women, 116 youth, and 9 people with disabilities participated.
Thus far, 149 trainees have learned new livelihood skills, all of whom will get a 3-month apprenticeship opportunity at Jordanian SMEs. By the end of the project, 40 participants will be selected for full-time employment.
Stories of purpose: creating impact that matters
Muna Sheikhi, Amman: productive kitchen owner who completed the food processing technical training
“I am the breadwinner of my family. Through this training, I hope to create a better life for my 4 children.”
Neveen Shamloni, 28, Al Shuneh: completed the soft skills and garment manufacturing training
“This training restored my hope in a better life. It taught me how to deal with people, believe in myself, be confident and outspoken, and live well with my disability. My dream is to learn and educate myself so that I can start my own business one day.”
Abd Al Salam Zyood, 18, Zarqa Al Hashemiyye: looking for a job
“In grade 9, I found out I have scoliosis (curved spine). I am currently waiting to get my surgery, which has been delayed due to Coronavirus. After learning some skills through this project, I look forward to finding a good job or starting my own business.”
Mousa Faisal, Syrian: looking for a job
“I left Syria in 2012 in search of a better life in Jordan. Since then, I couldn’t find a job. I heard about the Skills4Work project and decided to apply to develop myself, my skills, and my living standards. My goal is to find a stable job with a decent living – one that helps me meet the mere basic necessities of life. I hope to open my own business one day.”
Iman Khalaf, 22: tailor from the northern Jordanian valley
“The training pushed me to keep moving forward with my goals. I learnt that my disability should not stop me from achieving my dreams. I will continue my path with education and training, and I will open an income-generating project for me and my family.”