Vocational Education Stream

Ahmad Abdul AlAziz

Ahmad Abdul AlAziz, a Palestinian refugee from Souf Camp, began his journey like many young people—enrolling in university with hopes of earning a degree. Financial hardship forced him to leave after his first semester, leaving his future uncertain.

Determined to move forward, Ahmad joined a Vocational Training Centre (VTC) diploma program in culinary arts through an initiative with the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund. Believing in the power of practical skills, he committed himself fully to learning. By saving his transportation stipend and walking daily to the center, Ahmad turned small sacrifices into his first investment.

At the VTC, Ahmad combined technical baking skills with knowledge of quality control and basic business practices. With his savings, he reopened his family’s bakery in Souf Camp—closed for more than 15 years—bringing fresh bread and new life back to the community.

Today, Ahmad continues to grow his business and dreams of supplying bakeries across the Jerash governorate. His story shows how education, determination, and opportunity—made possible through the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund—can help transform setbacks into sustainable livelihoods.

Shahd Abduljawad

Shahd Abduljawad, a young woman from Gaza Camp, saw her dreams of higher education cut short by financial pressures. The future felt uncertain—until she discovered the Vocational Training Center’s Sues Chef diploma, offered through the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund.

At the VTC, Shahd thrived in hands-on culinary training, mastering food safety, knife skills, and traditional Palestinian dishes. Her dedication and creativity quickly stood out, and upon graduation, she secured a position at a local restaurant, putting her skills into practice and gaining professional experience.

“The opportunity with Al Ghurair didn’t just teach me how to cook; it gave me back my confidence. They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. Now, I have a skill no one can take from me. Every day I am learning more and saving for my dream of opening my own restaurant.” — Shahd

Shahd’s story demonstrates how practical training, mentorship, and targeted support can transform challenges into opportunities, helping young women like her build careers, achieve independence, and plan for a brighter future.

Hadeel Salameh

Hadeel Salameh, a Palestinian refugee and mother of four from Jerash’s Gaza Camp, spent over a decade cooking in her home kitchen while navigating the challenges of refugee life. With her education cut short and employment opportunities limited, her dream of professional growth seemed distant—until she joined the Youth Entrepreneurial Pathways for Resilience program, supported by the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund.

Each day, Hadeel traveled from Gaza Camp to the Jerash Vocational Training Center, where she gained hands-on pastry skills, business training, and life skills that boosted her confidence and independence. She mastered modern techniques, learned to cost and market traditional recipes, and discovered that her potential extended far beyond her circumstances.

“For six hours each day, I wasn’t just a refugee mother—I was a student, a chef, a businesswoman. This diploma is my key out of the cage.” — Hadeel

Hadeel’s journey shows that with determination, practical training, and the right support, young women in challenging contexts can transform their lives, achieve professional success, and create opportunities for their families.

Raghad Alkurdi

Raghad Alkurdi, a young woman from Souf Camp, has always been passionate about coffee and dreamed of becoming a barista. But societal expectations and cultural stereotypes made her ambition feel daunting. In her community, barista work was traditionally seen as a male role, and pursuing it as a woman required courage and determination.

Through the Youth Entrepreneurial Pathways for Resilience program, supported by the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, Raghad enrolled in the Hospitality Diploma, choosing the barista track. The program provided hands-on technical training, life skills workshops, and mentorship, equipping her with both practical expertise and the confidence to navigate a male-dominated field.

Raghad recalls, “I wanted to quit on the first day—I felt out of place. But my trainer told me, ‘Your presence here is changing the game.’ Now, every cup I make is proof that women belong in this field too.”

Her journey not only transformed her career prospects but also sparked broader conversations in her community about gender roles and opportunities for young women. Today, Raghad thrives as a professional barista, breaking barriers and inspiring others to pursue their passions, regardless of societal expectations.

Her story is a powerful reminder that with determination, mentorship, and targeted support—made possible through the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund—young women can challenge norms, pursue their dreams, and redefine what is possible.

Mosab AlQaisi

Mosab AlQaisi, a resilient young man from Souf Camp, faced significant financial and personal challenges that made pursuing higher education seem impossible. After completing school, he struggled to find stable employment and felt uncertain about his future. Everything changed when he discovered the Youth Entrepreneurial Pathways for Resilience program, offered through the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund.

Mosab enrolled in a Hospitality diploma with a focus on becoming a Barista and participated in life skills workshops covering communication, teamwork, and interview techniques. This holistic approach equipped him with both technical expertise and the confidence to navigate the workforce.

Just two days after completing the program, Mosab secured a job as a Barista at Al Ameed Coffee. Reflecting on his journey, he shared:

“Taking that first step was the hardest part. I didn’t know if I could do it, but this opportunity gave me the skills and courage I needed. Now, I’m not just working; I’m building a future.”

Mosab’s story is a testament to how practical training, mentorship, and targeted support through the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund can turn uncertainty into opportunity and help young people achieve meaningful careers.