Vocational Education Stream

Journey to Sustainable Energy: Mohammad Khalid Al-Shrouf’s Path to Excellence – German Energy Academy

Mohammad Khalid Al-Shrouf

Mohammad Khalid Al-Shrouf, a 23-year-old Jordanian engineer with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, has always been passionate about sustainable energy. Seeking to expand his knowledge in energy saving, he enrolled in the Energy Efficiency program at the German Energy Academy, supported by the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund.
Motivated by a vision to advance sustainable energy practices, Mohammad joined the program to gain the necessary competence to address pressing environmental issues through energy conservation. His dedication was evident, and he quickly became a standout student admired for his enthusiasm and leadership.

Mohammad’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of quality education and practical training. He described his experience at the Academy as unique, enriching, and highly constructive. The course expanded his knowledge and equipped him with crucial soft and technical skills, such as measurement, auditing, scientific persuasion, engineering intuition, and multi-level energy problem-solving. Also, the hands-on experience with testing and measurement devices gave him a comprehensive understanding of an energy engineer’s duties and skills.

These skills and experiences were pivotal in his professional development, enabling him to secure a position at one of Jordan’s leading companies specializing in energy auditing, management, and energy efficiency. Now, as a Research Assistant in Energy Efficiency Engineering at the German Jordanian University, thanks to the generous support of the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, Mohammad attributes his achievements and significant career advancements to this support through the Academy. His success story highlights the Academy’s pivotal role in developing future leaders in energy efficiency.

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Maria Alarnous: A Beacon of Hope in the Energy Sector – German Energy Academy

Maria Alarnous

Maria Alarnous, a 22-year-old Syrian engineer, has always been passionate about renewable energy. With a bachelor’s degree in power engineering, she enrolled in the German Energy Academy’s PV Installation course, which marked the start of an incredible journey.

Maria soon excelled as a student, especially in the course’s practical components. She gained a strong understanding of electricity, solar energy, and photovoltaic technology and practical experience with site preparation, system component assembly, and trial operation checks.

Her presence and expertise in the traditionally male-dominated technical field were inspirational. Her peers constantly sought her aid, demonstrating her excellent ability and eagerness to serve. One tutor expressed how inspiring it was to watch a woman achieve in such a subject.

Maria’s achievements drew notice, prompting her to apply for the prestigious AHK examination. Her story gained traction during an interview on World Refugee Day, becoming a beacon of hope for many.

With support from the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, Maria’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of education and perseverance. Her rise from an engineering graduate to an acknowledged pioneer in renewable energy demonstrates the need for accessible, high-quality education. Maria currently works remotely as a Commercial Operator for FYSH EVC Stations & Systems, a firm based in Dubai.

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Fostering long-term success in the workforce for refugee youth and vulnerable host community youth in Jordan – Madrasati

About Madrasati

Madrasati Initiative – Jordan River Foundation means ‘my school’ in Arabic. Madrasati initiative was launched by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, to improve the physical and educational environment of Jordan’s most neglected public schools.

Madrasati has served 830 Jordanian public schools run by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and identified as the most underperforming and most in need of renovation and assistance in educational development. Madrasati has reached 360,000 students, 17,000 teachers, and 800 volunteers across the 12 governorates of Jordan.

Target: 4,200 students

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Program Description

The “Fostering Long-Term Success in the Workforce for Refugee Youth and Vulnerable Host Community Youth in Jordan” program empowers youth (Grades 9-12) with critical skills to enhance their educational and career prospects. Through comprehensive career guidance, English language proficiency, STEM support, and employability skills development, the program equips 4,200 students (60% refugees) with the tools needed for success. Participants benefit from dynamic career days, thematic weeks, and specialized forums that bridge the gap between education and employment.

Success Stories
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Green Skills for Youth: Today’s Job Security and Tomorrow’s Suitable Careers – LMNS for Social Development

About Luminus

LMNS for Social Development, a division of Luminus Education Group, partners with Luminus Technical University College in Jordan to deliver TVET projects. Through their Education4Employment (E4E) model, LMNS offers market-driven, accredited training programs ranging from short courses to bachelor’s degrees. They prioritize employer engagement to tailor programs to job-market needs, achieving a 70% job placement rate (over 90% in ICT sectors) since 2016. LMNS focuses on inclusivity, supporting vulnerable youth including females and refugees, with over 26,000 scholarships awarded. Their efforts aim to enhance TVET’s appeal and contribute to economic resilience in the MENA region.

Target: 300 youth/students

Luminus for Social Development EN

Program Description

The “Green Skills for Youth: Today’s Job Security and Tomorrow’s Suitable Careers” program in Jordan provides disadvantaged adolescents (ages 16-35) with market-relevant vocational training in ICT, as well as Electric and Hybrid Automotive Technology. Participants are prepared for meaningful employment by integrating technical skills with soft skills, including English language competence, career preparation, and circular economy training. This comprehensive approach combines peer-to-peer mentorship, hands-on project-based learning, and job placement assistance, ensuring that 70% of graduates find work.

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Youth Entrepreneurial Pathways for Resilience – Anera

About Anera

American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera), established in 1968, is a US-based international development organization, advancing the well-being of refugees and vulnerable communities in Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan through comprehensive humanitarian aid and sustainable development programs.

Anera mobilizes resources for immediate emergency relief and for sustainable, long-term health, education, and economic development. Anera staff serve in their communities, navigating the politics that constrict progress to get help where it’s needed most.

Target: 125 youth/students

Program Description

The Youth Entrepreneurial Pathways for Resilience program empowers vulnerable youth (aged 16-35) with vocational training, life skills, and career readiness support. Through comprehensive vocational training, mentorship, and internship opportunities, participants gain the skills needed for successful employment and entrepreneurship. The program includes a specialized focus on WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) education, enhancing community health and sustainability. Upon completion, participants receive accredited certifications and practical experience, connecting them with local businesses and employment opportunities.

Success Stories
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NAFAAL : Nurturing Ambitions for Future Advancement and Autonomous Livelihoods –LOST

About LOST

The Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training (LOST), established in 1998, aims to empower and engage Lebanese people to live in dignity and peace by respecting, protecting, and fulfilling human rights. LOST focuses on creating a developed and equitable society by reducing poverty, eliminating exclusion, and fostering a culture of peace, with a particular emphasis on youth and women. With 13 operational branches, LOST addresses various sectors including food security, education, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), governance, social stability, women and youth empowerment, health, and protection. It prides itself on its experienced local staff, well-established network, and strong reputation for quality, transparency, and accountability.

Target: 600 youth

Program Description

The NAFAAL program provides comprehensive vocational training, personal development, and career-ready skills to vulnerable youth (ages 17-35) in the Baalbek-Hermel and Beqaa regions. By providing focused instruction in functional skills, life skills, and competency-based vocational training, participants gain the necessary knowledge and abilities to improve their economic self-sufficiency and resilience. After finishing the program, participants are connected with employment prospects through internships and work-based learning or provided assistance in launching their own enterprises. This transformative journey offers ongoing assistance and supervision, guaranteeing that participants are adequately prepared for long-lasting means of living and future job prospects.

Success Stories
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Nour Al-Din Al-Kurdi: A Transformative Odyssey Through the Lens of Video Editing – NISCVT

Nour Al-Din Al-Kurdi

Nour Al-Din Al-Kurdi’s journey, marked by transformation through video editing, unfolds as a testament to the profound impact of skill development. A young Palestinian with a background in history, Nour Al-Din faced the challenges of displacement from Syria in 2015 due to the war. However, he turned adversity into opportunity by enrolling in a video editing course and delving into amateur photography.

Completing the course and securing an internship, Nour Al-Din not only enhanced his personal skills but also discovered a passion for empowering others. Today, he shares his expertise by offering training to university students eager to improve their visual production skills, all from the comfort of their homes. Nour Al-Din’s commitment to empowering others serves as a beacon of resilience and self-discovery, transforming personal challenges into opportunities for both skill development and financial success

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Syrian-led textile manufacturer expands in Jordan by employing refugees and women – Spark-IsDB

When the Syrian crisis erupted in 2011, Issam resided in Darayya, a suburb of Damascus in Syria. In response to the escalating situation, he and his family were obliged to seek refuge in Jordan. “Becoming a refugee in a new community was an unimaginable experience,” said Issam. Fortunately, they were familiar with the language and culture of the region, which eased their transition into the new environment.
A few months after arriving in Amman, Issam knew that he needed to provide for his wife and children as well as keep himself busy, so he returned to his profession as a tailor. “Rather than sit without a job and dwell on my lost home, I found it useful to roll my sleeves up and get to work in the profession I knew best,” he says.
Issam scraped together all of his savings and borrowed money from friends and relatives. Put together, he had enough funds to open his own small sewing factory in Downtown Amman called Al-Hour Al-Eeen Factory. Starting with just three sewing machines, Issam’s vision was to not only establish a business but also to contribute to the broader community by employing three Syrian refugees.

Within a short span of time, Issam had attracted numerous customers and forged valuable connections with traders, due to the remarkable quality and pricing of his products. In 2016, as demand surged, he made a pivotal choice to expand his factory operations. The workforce grew from three employees to a team of twelve, and his goals extended to include women’s employability and empowerment, by offering flexible working hours for Syrian refugee women.
With technical support from SPARK, through its partner International Group for Training (IGIT), under the Skills Training Education Programme (STEP), financed by The Islamic Development Bank and the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, Issam underwent a comprehensive training in various fields. He participated in courses covering accounting, strategic planning, social media marketing, and financing.
Equipped with this newfound knowledge, Issam expanded his business significantly. Currently, he employs over 25 workers to manage the machines, with an additional five employees working in administration and six staff members in the showrooms. After a decade of dedication to his company, the total number of employees has now reached 35.

 

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Sadeq’s Inspiring Journey from Vocational Education to Career Success – ASAC

Sadeq

Sadeq’s success story highlights the Fund’s program impact, emphasizing the value of combining technical and soft skills in today’s job market. As a graduate of Luminus’s Automotive Technology program in 2021, Sadeq now works at the Korea Electric Power Corporation in Jordan. He underscores how vocational education not only imparts automotive skills but also equips learners with market-relevant expertise and English proficiency. His blend of technical and soft skills played a crucial role in securing him the position of Assistant Manager. Sadeq highlights the practicality of career readiness and time management courses, essential for his job’s punctuality demands.
In his role, Sadeq inspects various electric and hybrid vehicles, providing detailed reports for mechanics. His journey is a testament to continuous learning, resulting in personal milestones and improving his family’s livelihood. Sadeq’s father, initially skeptical about vocational education, now values its impact on his son’s life and family well-being. Sadeq’s story exemplifies the importance of supporting programs that empower youth with diverse skill sets for success in today’s competitive job market.

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Niveen’s Story: A Single Mother’s Journey to Empowerment-ASAC

Niveen

Niveen, a resilient 26-year-old single mother raising her 4-year-old daughter, found herself at a crossroads. Having married young and unable to finish her high school education, she faced the daunting challenge of providing for herself and her child after deciding to divorce her husband due to their difficult circumstances.
Despite opposition from her family, who questioned how she would support her daughter alone, Niveen remained determined. She bravely pursued her decision to divorce and set out to find opportunities to better her situation.
One day, while scrolling through her Facebook feed, Niveen stumbled upon a post from Luminus advertising scholarships funded by the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund. The opportunity ignited a spark within her as she had always harbored a passion for fashion design. Without hesitation, she applied and was accepted into a training program in fashion design.

As she delved into her studies, Niveen felt her life transforming. She saw new possibilities opening up before her. “Now, I can create my daughter’s own clothing designs and sew them,” she exclaimed with pride. Not only did she gain newfound skills, but she also shattered stereotypes within her family. “My parents are so proud of me, and I’ve changed their whole perspective on single mothers and their capabilities,” she reflected.
Emboldened by her success, Niveen secured a position with a clothing factory, where she now works tirelessly to support her daughter’s education.

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The Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund is administered by the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education (AGFE).

Contact Us

For any General or Program enquiries:  refugeeeducation@alghurairfoundation.org

For Media related enquiries: pr@alghurairfoundation.org

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