REBUILD FOR PEACE
JORDAN
THE BACKGROUND
We work with Jordanian youth who lack opportunities, as well as refugees who reside in the resource-scarce Southern regions of Jordan. Many of these refugees have fled from Syria, Palestine, Iraq, and Pakistan, and face extreme social and economic hardship. Perhaps the greatest challenge in Jordan's education system is the skill gap it’s created. While the percentage of young people attending university has increased, the level of unemployment among university graduates continues to worsen. Furthermore, over 35% of highly-educated women are unemployed. Thus, due to the shortage of people trained in vocational areas, such services come at a high price for the general population. By providing better training in vocational areas, Rebuild for Peace aims to both create competition for existing services and reduce youth unemployment rates.
THE CHALLENGE
Jordan's refugee crisis is well-publicized, and its effects are felt strongly throughout the country. The precarious and unpredictable nature of the refugee situation makes it extremely difficult for these individuals to rebuild their livelihoods and identities in their new surroundings. For Jordanians, the influx has resulted in infrastructural difficulties, such as overcrowded schools and increased unemployment.
The peace and security for which Jordan has long been renowned for, is being threatened by increasing economic frustration, which is in turn damaging the stability of the country and the strong family ties that hold the area together.
With that in mind, Rebuild for Peace set out to address unemployment among youth and refugees in Jordan, at-risk of being recruited into violent causes.
1.3
million Syrian refugees live in Jordan, and 70% of the Country are refugees - many of them multi-generational refugees.
15%
is the unemployment rate in Jordan: 13.8% for men; 24.8% for women; and 22.5% for university holders.
50%
of the Country are youth, who the Jordanian government has said, face unemployment as a major issue.
OUR SOLUTION
We recognized the deep need to understand the Jordanian economy as a whole and also the needs of each community. Our research led us to the decision to introduce our programs in southern Jordan where refugees had migrated and had limited access to education and transportation to larger cities. We strategized with large and small governmental entities and local influencers who could assess specific needs and they helped us design customized community based solutions.
Tailored to the specific needs in Jordan, we sought to promote:
PEACE-BUILDING
Community leaders are consulted to help our organization identify needs that are not being met so we can custom design vocational programs and create long term solutions to benefit local populations. Students simultaneously will be given opportunities to build their capacity and a positive identity that will benefit them, their families, and communities.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Awarding 1000 JOD grants to the top three students of each curriculum will enable them to form new businesses in the area. These new businesses will provide employment opportunities and stimulate local economic growth. Furthermore, our students will have the skill sets in demand for locally owned businesses and exportable skills if they decide to return to their home countries or work abroad.
COMMUNITY
Our objective is to create a genuine attachment between the students and their community, encouraging them to work for its betterment. Graduated students will be encouraged to use their new skills to improve the quality of life beginning with their own families and extending to those within their circle of influence. Teaching leadership skills and personal development is key to achieving this objective in order to give students the confidence needed to work effectively.
180
at-risk students served in first 3 months.
8
dedicated centers in Jordan.
OUR OUTCOMES
In receiving $500,000 and partnership support from the Jordanian government, Rebuild for Peace was able to establish five vocational centers in under serviced areas of the Kingdom. One of our centers is located in Al-Karak, a city in the South of Jordan, which was reported to have had 200 youth recruited to ISIS in 2016 - the year which culminated in the Attack of the ancient Karak Castle.
Before graduating from our program, every student is required to lead and enact a community development project. The Karak Castle Rebuild was the first community service project led by our students. Volunteers repaired the iron gate, painted railings, and planted a peace garden. Students also organized a speaking event on peace and community building. Following the event, the Office of Antiquities offered Rebuild for Peace a piece of the Castle gate and a future office in a section of the Castle to hold classes. As seen in the Karak Castle Rebuild video, our goal is to offer an alternative to unemployment, and provide opportunities for youth in vulnerable circumstances, at-risk of being recruited to extremist causes. We are committed to rebuilding livelihoods and communities, but most importantly, we aim to rebuild hope.
Each Rebuild for Peace center provides students with training in three month programs. Training includes vocational skills and peace-building, in order to help students achieve and maintain sustainable personal economic stability and contribute to society as a whole. It is also important to note the pastoral role of the trainers, who act as mentors for students.
Our Karak Castle Rebuild
Each student is effectively studying two programs throughout this period: the first is compulsory for all students and includes e-marketing, personal finance, business management, leadership, peace-building and personal development. The second curriculum is in a field of their choice.
Curriculums are updated to include the most current information and training. As part of the curriculum, each student is required to plan and enact a community development project.
All graduating students are invited to submit a business plan, and three of those are selected to receive a 1000 JOD grant in order to start their own business and be the facilitators of positive change. We also work with local businesses to provide apprenticeship opportunities to graduated students.
