EU-funded project to enhance job prospects for young Jordanians, Syrians

AMMAN — A European Union delegation has announced two projects aimed at improving the lives of Jordanians in host communities and displaced Syrians through increased work preparedness and entrepreneurship. 

The delegates, during a visit last week to Luminus Education, a Middle Eastern technical and vocational training group, stated that both projects will be funded by the EU and managed by UNESCO, according to a statement sent to The Jordan Times on Saturday. 

"We are pleased to fund these two important projects facilitated by Luminus Group, and we anticipate that their outcomes will enable young Syrians and Jordanians to enhance their job prospects and create new businesses that will, in turn, create more jobs and raise local economies within Jordan," the statement quoted EU Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn as saying. 

The first project will enhance work preparedness and life skills among young Syrians and Jordanians in Amman, Zarqa, Irbid and Mafraq and will be implemented by Al Quds Education, Training and Consultancy — Al Quds College, according to the statement. 

The second initiative is aimed at creating private sector jobs and enhancing the economic growth potential of local economies in the northern cities of Irbid and Mafraq.

The three-year project will establish an innovation and entrepreneurship centre called Fab Lab, which will provide comprehensive business development services to high potential start-ups and existing micro, small and medium enterprises.