Jan, 2024
Anera and Partners Offer Vocational Skills Training for Refugee Youth and Women
In the depth of Jordan's refugee camps, educational initiatives are making a difference in the lives of young refugees and women, offering them the chance of a brighter future despite the formidable challenges they face.
The socioeconomic conditions of the refugee camps are undeniable for youth and women. Their lives are marked by limited access to education and employment opportunities. Many had to leave school to find jobs to help support their families. That meant a lack of access to quality education, which only limited their opportunities for better paying jobs.
Anera, in partnership with I Learn Jordan, is providing vocational and digital skills training to young men and women in Souf Camp, a Palestinian refugee camp in the city of Jerash, to help empower them to pursue a better future.
Kinda Al-Adwan is the driving force behind I Learn Jordan. Her organization focuses on education programs for students living in remote and underserved areas who have dropped out of school.
"Our goal with this program is to offer young people vocational education opportunities that not only sharpen their practical skills but also nurture their personal growth, opening doors to the job market."
"Our goal... is to offer young people vocational education opportunities that not only sharpen their practical skills but also nurture their personal growth."
In less than two months, 20 young people have received 35 hours of vocational skills training and 75 hours of digital skills training. The training modules covered various potential topics, including Microsoft Office applications, Google Workspace tools, cloud computing, project management, data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data security, and privacy. Additionally, participants learned about organic digital marketing for micro-businesses, CV writing, effectively using LinkedIn, and honing interviewing skills.
One of the inspiring individuals who underwent this program is Ayeda, an Egyptian national and a law graduate who was born and raised in Souf camp. Despite the knowledge that practicing law in Jordan wasn't an option, she was determined to pursue her dreams. She says the training gave her confidence for self-improvement and growth.
"With my newfound confidence, I have the potential to find a job even if it wasn't in my original field of study."
With the support of Anera’s youth program, she strengthened her own candle-making business, investing in herself and fellow women by giving them a chance to gain new skills and make a little extra income for their families. Ayeda understands the sense of hopelessness and the limited opportunities refugees face. “This firsthand experience has fueled my determination to make a difference."
"With my newfound confidence, I have the potential to find a job even if it wasn't in my original field of study."
Syrian refugee Sanaa arrived in Jordan in 2012, fleeing the war back home. She is determined to continue her studies and improve her skills, thanks to Anera's training program.
"I encourage women not to give up on learning because hope is always there, and knowledge is our weapon," Sanaa says.
"I encourage women not to give up on learning because hope is always there, and knowledge is our weapon."
