Fabrizio Cascetta, Innovation Intern
Afaq: Transforming the Future
Unemployment rates in Jordan have reached alarming levels, with young people facing a rate of 50%, and young women experiencing an even more staggering rate of 78.2%. The job market in Jordan is primarily concentrated in the capital, Amman, making it difficult for those living in remote areas to access employment opportunities. For women, the challenge is even more pronounced, as mobility is often limited. Additionally, employers frequently seek skills that young job seekers lack, resulting in many positions being filled by older candidates. To worsen the situation, the high cost of education prevents many young people from acquiring the qualifications needed to compete in the job market.
Empowering Jordanian Youth
Recognizing the urgent need to address these challenges, the Jordan Youth Innovation Forum (JYIF), one of the Tadamon Accelerator participants and grant awardees, launched the Afaq (Horizons in English) project. JYIF received $20,000 in grants from the Tadamon Accelerator and successfully raised an additional $12,000 to support the implementation of this project. The Afaq project is dedicated to empowering youth by equipping them with the essential skills to excel in freelancing and remote work, thus opening new pathways for their professional and personal growth.
Training sessions
Ali Haddad, the Executive Director uses these words when explaining the role Tadamon had in supporting the program:
“The Tadamon Accelerator programme has been a pivotal support for us at the Jordan Youth Innovation Forum (JYIF) and our Afaq project. Through the grant, we have been able to enhance the digital competencies of Jordanian youth, particularly young women, equipping them with vital skills for the modern workforce. The program's support enabled us to provide essential training for young freelancers, fostering digital entrepreneurship and improving employability skills among young people in Jordan. This partnership has empowered us to make a tangible impact by helping youth unlock new opportunities.”
Roadmap of the Afaq Project
How did the Afaq project equip youth with the essential skills they need? First, they launched an open call to identify and engage youth who were interested in participating in the program. After receiving substantial interest from the youth, they carefully selected 46 participants, including 29 women. The selected candidates went through ten intensive training modules that range from “Time Management and Productivity” to “Building Your Online Presence”.
Participants engaging in various sessions
Following the completion of these modules, the top 8 participants were selected for a more focused phase, where they received personalized support and mentorship tailored to their unique needs. This targeted mentorship has proven essential in equipping participants with the skills and confidence required to overcome barriers to employment. Rama Mosalli, a participant in the Afaq project, captures the invaluable support she received from the initiative, echoing the sentiments of many other participants: “AFAQ’s training opened many horizons for me. The information we received was insightful, practical, and innovative. The sessions were engaging, and I never felt bored—I eagerly awaited each one. I am deeply grateful for this remarkable training experience.”
AFAQ has thus created a dynamic space where participants not only receive training in freelancing and remote work but also benefit from ongoing support that prepares them for the job market. This comprehensive and practical approach is offering Jordan’s youth a real chance at securing their futures, as evidenced by the positive experiences of those involved. Amani Abdelhameed, one of the participants of the AFAQ project, shares her journey what kept Amani committed to the program was the dedication of the trainers.
Testimonial from a participant in the Afaq project
The AFAQ project demonstrates that with a clear vision, dedication, and the right support, it is possible to break down the lack of access to education, paving the way for growth and equality. AFAQ is more than just a project; it is a movement that is redefining the future for Jordanian youth, giving them the tools to build successful careers, regardless of where they live or the challenges they face.
Learn more about Jordan Youth Innovation Forum´s work and support them.