Vocational Education Stream

Empowering Dreams: Shahad Aladawi’s Journey – DOT Jordan

Shahad Aladawi

Shahad Aladawi, a Syrian resident in Sahab, Amman, undertook a WordPress training program with DOT Jordan funded by Abdul Al Aziz Al Ghurair Fund, showcasing her skills through websites. During an internship, she successfully developed the website for Zaqzouq Muay Thai’s “Alpha Academy” using WordPress. Post-program, Shahad earned a scholarship at Al-Hussein Technical University for a BSc. in Computer Science, attributing her success to the coaching received. This achievement not only demonstrates her personal triumph but also highlights the program’s impact in enabling youth, like Shahad, to pursue education despite financial constraints. Shahad’s journey serves as an inspiring example of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education.

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Ahmad Al-Abed: A Journey from MIS to Success in Tech – Alfanar

Ahmad Al-Abed

At the age of 24, Ahmad Al-Abed’s journey took a significant turn as he found his calling in the world of technology. Armed with a background in Management Information Systems (MIS), Ahmad initially struggled to secure meaningful employment opportunities. However, his unwavering determination and passion for coding propelled him towards a brighter future.
Ahmad’s pivotal moment came when he made the decision to enroll in SE Factory’s prestigious FSW bootcamp. Recognizing the potential for growth and advancement in the tech industry, he eagerly embraced the intensive program. Prior to this, Ahmad had laid the foundation for his journey by completing SEF’s Foundational Course, equipping himself with essential skills and knowledge.

His efforts did not go unnoticed. Ahmad’s talent caught the attention of a US-based startup, where he was swiftly recruited following his graduation from the FSW bootcamp. Remarkably, Ahmad discovered a serendipitous connection with the recruiter and founder of the startup – they shared a common Syrian heritage, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
Now, as a valued member of the team at shyp.studio, Ahmad embraces each day as an opportunity for growth and innovation. His journey from MIS to success in the tech industry stands as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to pursue their passions.

 

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From Dreams to Reality: Joudi’s Journey as a Web Developer – ASAC

Joudi Awameh

In the heart of Jordan, Joudi Awameh, a Syrian refugee with boundless dreams, found herself at a crossroads after completing high school. Her aspirations to become a web developer seemed distant amid the challenges of her circumstances. Yet, a glimmer of hope ignited when she stumbled upon an advertisement by Luminus on Facebook, sparking a flame of possibility within her.
The opportunity seemed like a lottery win, a chance to grasp her dreams with both hands. With unwavering determination, Joudi embarked on a journey, enrolling in a program at the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair School of Advanced Computing at Luminus. Despite stepping into the world of web development with no prior experience, Joudi embraced the challenge, driven by her fervent desire for a brighter future.

“This course changed my life,” Joudi exclaimed, reflecting on her transformative experience. Through the program, she delved deep into the realm of web development, navigating its complexities with determination and grit. Beyond technical skills, she honed her soft skills and mastered English business communication, equipping herself with invaluable tools for success in the professional world.
With newfound expertise and confidence, Joudi secured a position at QuimClaim company, a testament to her perseverance and resilience. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity that had reshaped her destiny.
“Such opportunity has unlocked my mind and forged a completely new and unique pathway for me to shape my future,” Joudi affirmed, her eyes alight with hope and possibility.

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Noor’s Resilience in Style – ASAC

Noor

Meet Noor Al Malokh, a determined individual with an unwavering passion for hairstyling. Despite facing a significant setback—a life-altering accident in 2014 resulting in the loss of one of her hands—Noor refused to let her disability hinder her dreams.
In 2018, she embarked on a remarkable journey, convincing both Luminus and the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund teams to grant her a scholarship for a 6-month Beauty Program. This opportunity marked a pivotal moment in her life, as she became one of the first recipients of the Al Ghurair Fund scholarship.
Today, Noor thrives in her career, working at a reputable salon in Amman, Jordan. Beyond her salon duties, she also dedicates time to serving private clients, showcasing her expertise and passion for hairstyling. Despite the challenges she has faced, Noor’s determination and resilience serve as an inspiration to all who encounter her story.

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Mohammad Al Hassan: Thriving in Vocational Education, Shaping the Future with Practical Skills – ASAC

Mohammad Al Hassan

Mohammad Al Hassan’s remarkable success in vocational education, supported by the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, stands as a beacon of achievement. His journey, marked by victories in competitions and excellence in vocational training scholarship at SAE Luminus Technical University, underscores the transformative impact of industry-specific education and practical skills development.
A testament to Mohammad’s prowess is his outstanding achievement in winning second place in the “Medical VR Advertisement using VR Technology” competition held by Novartis. This accomplishment not only reflects Mohammad’s dedication and talent but also highlights the effectiveness of vocational education programs in preparing students for real-world challenges and industry demands.

 

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Ibrahim Shlayel: Excelling in Vocational Education, Transforming Skills into Career Success – ASAC

Ibrahim Shlayel

Ibrahim Mohamed Subhi Shlayel’s journey is a testament to the impact of vocational education in shaping promising careers. Enrolled in the air conditioning and refrigeration training course within the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Department at LTUC, Ibrahim embarked on a path of practical learning and skill development starting in 2020.
Armed with the skills acquired through his studies and practical training, Ibrahim’s dedication and hard work bore fruit as he secured immediate employment upon graduation. His journey began in the contracting department of Al-Habash and Al-Harbi Company, showcasing the direct applicability of his vocational education to the industry. Ibrahim’s career trajectory continued to ascend as he found employment with resident engineers at Villa Al-Manasir, further expanding his professional experience. Currently, Ibrahim holds the esteemed position of a central air conditioning technician at Engineering Challenges Company, a testament to the depth of expertise he cultivated through his vocational education.

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Mohammad Labada: Brewing Success through Vocational Excellence – ASAC

Mohammad Labada

Mohammad Labada, 26 years old, a Syrian student, embarked on a transformative journey in vocational education. Enrolled in a 4-month training program focused on Coffee House Operation, Mohammad’s dedication and talent have propelled him to extraordinary heights.
Recently, Mohammad showcased his skills on a grand stage by participating in the HORECA Exhibition. His exceptional abilities in the Barista competition earned him the prestigious golden medal, a testament to his commitment to excellence in the field of coffee preparation. This remarkable achievement not only brought recognition to Mohammad but also qualified him for the HORECA competition in Lebanon, which was scheduled for April 2023.

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Code like a girl: Lebanon’s new Full Stack Developers – Spark-IsDB

Asmaa Hamid

“Asmaa Hamid, 26, a Syrian refugee living in Lebanon, studied Computer Science at school but found that she lacked practical experience in the sector, making it challenging to find job opportunities. A friend recommended SE Factory to her, and she joined the coding program to gain more experience and learn new technologies. Through SE Factory’s Full Stack Developer certificate program and career coaching, Asmaa acquired vital skills and proficiency that helped her ace interviews and eventually land an internship with a company in the United Arab Emirates. “Currently, I am interning remotely…with the hope of turning it into a full-time job offer,” said Asmaa.

As part of the Skills Training Education Programme (STEP), Funded by IsDB and Al Ghurair Fund, SPARK’s partner, SE Factory, conducted two bootcamps to enroll youth such as Asmaa. The bootcamps offered a flexible and accessible alternative to traditional education, increasing youth employability and their chance to enter the workforce quickly with relevant skills. The bootcamps focus on job-specific skills in the tech sector, providing hands-on experience and digital skills that are highly valued by employers. Students had the opportunity to network with professionals in their field, work on their projects, and showcase their abilities to potential employers, potentially leading to job opportunities or partnerships.

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New horizons: how four individuals in Lebanon found their career path through a tech bootcamp – Spark-IsDB

Four young individuals, Nour Meselmani, Yasser Shkeir, Imtihal Halalo, and Taha Taha, share a common goal – to find a career path that truly resonates with them. They enrolled in a tech bootcamp to equip themselves with employable skills.
They reside in Lebanon but come from different nationalities including Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria. Despite graduating, all four of them have been unable to secure employment due to the ongoing economic and political turmoil in Lebanon.
Additionally, they pursued majors at university that they did not enjoy, and they are seeking a second chance to start anew. “Finding a job opportunity as a physics graduate was a challenging task for me, and I have always been searching for a career path that truly resonates with me,” said Nour Meselmani.

Yasser and Taha share an unwavering ambition and a vision for a brighter future. In their pursuit of skills that would equip them for whatever might come their way, they enrolled in the tech bootcamp offered by SPARK, which recently launched in Lebanon in partnership with SE Factory under the Skills Training Education Programme (STEP), supported by The Islamic Development Bank and the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation. “It’s more than a bootcamp,” says Taha, “it boosts your skills and knowledge and unleashes your capabilities to be a professional needed in the labor market.”
Yasser started working remotely as a Full Stack Developer with a French company, while Taha began his career as a Junior Full Stack Developer. Yasser adds, “It’s been a long journey filled with lots of code, caffeine, and late nights, but I am so proud to have reached this milestone.”

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Eco-friendly toys provide children with smart and sustainable fun – Spark-IsDB

Rahaf Abu Mayaleh

Rahaf Abu Mayaleh, a 21-year-old health skills trainer, identified a lack of innovative, sustainable tools for children’s health education. Joining Startup Roadshow 4, she founded 4HEALTH EDU, an eco-conscious platform offering Arabic health courses for kids.
Abu Mayyaleh highlights the toy industry’s role in tackling climate change, pointing out its heavy use of plastic materials and single-use products that worsen environmental problems. “Given that we work with children,” Rahaf stated, “it’s crucial that what they interact with and absorb today remains with them.” She continued, ‘4Health Edu products under development prioritize sustainable materials, aiming to be resilient and eco-friendly for both children and the environment.
“Young people like us don’t wait for governments to solve climate issues,” Abu Mayyaleh affirmed. “Instead, we actively work towards bringing about the necessary changes.”

Narrative:

Over her four-year journey as a health skills trainer, 21-year-old Rahaf Abu Mayaleh encountered a series of obstacles, chief among them being the lack of innovative tools and games designed to aid children in learning basic health skills. She observed that existing children’s games were not only costly but also crafted from environmentally harmful materials like plastic. Motivated to effect change, Rahaf resolved to become an advocate for climate action and enhancement in the teaching of fundamental skills to children aged 2 to 8.
In Rahaf’s view, every challenge presents an opportunity for a solution, underscoring the vital role of young entrepreneurs committed to safeguarding the environment and shaping a brighter future. “For every challenge, there is a solution, and here lies our responsibility as environmentally conscious young entrepreneurs,” Rahaf explains.
In the latter part of 2022, Rahaf joined Startup Roadshow 4, a collaborative initiative by Jusoor and SPARK under the STEP program, sponsored by the Islamic Development Bank and the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund. Rahaf was among 263 entrepreneurs and 108 innovative ideas showcased during the event. She transformed her concept into a startup named 4HEALTH EDU.

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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

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