The United Nations in Jordan, recognizing the pressing challenge of high unemployment rates among young people, is intensifying efforts to empower the youth with essential digital skills. Through a range of programs, the UN aims to equip young Jordanians to navigate the evolving job market effectively.
Bridging the Digital Divide: The UN’s Role in Youth Empowerment
With a staggering 40.5 percent unemployment rate among Jordanians aged 20-24, the necessity for digital proficiency is undeniable. The UN, in collaboration with local and international partners, provides targeted programs to enhance these vital skills.
Salah Al-Din’s Journey through Digital Skills Training
Salah Al-Din, a 20-year-old beneficiary of the UNICEF-supported ‘Digital Skills for a Better Future’ program, has seen substantial personal growth. Partnering with Jordan’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship and the Digital Opportunity Trust, the initiative aims to increase employability by equipping young people with digital skills tailored to market needs. Salah Al-Din’s training included computer basics, Microsoft Office, and advanced graphic design, which have directly improved his university performance in software engineering and provided freelancing opportunities.
Maria’s Path to Cybersecurity and Digital Literacy
At just 15, Maria, from the underprivileged district of Sweileh in Amman, participated in the “Me and My Mobile” course at the Zain Innovation Campus. Initiated by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Jordan, the course introduced her to digital marketing, online safety, and the tools necessary to support her family’s business online. This experience sparked Maria’s interest in pursuing a cybersecurity degree, challenging traditional gender roles and empowering her to envision a career in the digital economy.
The Impact of the Youth Media Literacy Ambassadors Programme
The Youth Media Literacy Ambassadors Programme (YMLAP), supported by UNESCO and the Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists, has nominated Jordanian urban youth to educate their peers on combating misinformation and fostering media literacy. The initiative has successfully integrated Media, Information, and Literacy with Civic Participation, enhancing the community’s resilience against misinformation.
Through these transformative educational experiences, the UN in Jordan is not just addressing immediate employment challenges but also contributing to the broader goals of sustainable development by preparing a digitally literate, innovative, and proactive young workforce.
