Amman, Oct. 2 (Petra) — On behalf of HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, HRH Princess Zeina Rashid on Wednesday patronized the launch ceremony of the “Skills for Success – Youth Embrace Vocational and Technical Education and Training in Jordan” project at the Royal Cultural Center. The event highlighted the project’s activities and its positive impact on the targeted groups.
The project is being implemented by the National Center for Culture and Arts (NCCA) of the King Hussein Foundation over three years, in partnership with the Vocational Training Corporation, the Advanced Vocational Training College in Jordan, and the Ministry of Education, with support from the Drosos Foundation.
Lina Attel, Director General of the NCCA, stated that the project aims to change the stereotypical image of vocational training and occupations in Jordan and to raise awareness about the economic benefits of skilled professions.
She added that the project carries a humanitarian and developmental message, driven by a deep belief in the power of the arts—especially theater and drama—to serve humanity and society.
Attel emphasized that the essence of theater and drama lies in expressing human behavior, and that building a person’s character and values is the ultimate goal, beyond any professional or artistic consideration.
For his part, Dr. Nawwaf Al-Ajarmeh, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Education for Educational Affairs, speaking on behalf of Minister of Education Dr. Azmi Mahafzah, stressed that career guidance and counseling services are an integral component of the ministry’s efforts to attract and guide students toward a secure and promising future in the world of professions.
He explained that these services provide information about vocational specializations and encourage students to pursue them, describing such fields as ideal and relevant in a changing world where possessing and mastering skills has become an effective means to combat unemployment. He also noted that education outputs must align with the future needs of the labor market.
Al-Ajarmeh added that one of the main challenges facing guidance systems is better preparing youth for success after graduation, which requires school counselors to help students identify their traits, interests, aptitudes, competencies, and knowledge of professions.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ahmad Mufleh Al-Gharaibeh, Director General of the Vocational Training Corporation (represented by Deputy Director Eng. Ra’fat Al-Sawafin), said that this pioneering national project reflects a deep belief in the role of youth in shaping the future and translates the vision of His Majesty King Abdullah II and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince in supporting vocational and technical education as a cornerstone of economic and social development.
He pointed out that the project places life skills and interactive theater techniques at the core of the training process to foster among young people discipline, work ethics, teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication.
Eng. Ammar Al-Gharaibeh, CEO of the Advanced Vocational Training College, said:
“Our participation in the Skills for Success project reaffirms our commitment to building strategic partnerships that enhance trainees’ life skills, such as teamwork, professional ethics, and creative thinking—core elements for preparing a generation capable of integrating into the labor market and contributing to national economic development.”
He added that the project has enabled the college to expand its programs through innovative methods, such as drama and interactive theater, enriching students’ learning experiences and making training more realistic and connected to labor market challenges — a step toward transforming vocational training into a driving force for sustainable prosperity.
The launch ceremony included panel discussions.
The first session, “The Impact of Vocational and Technical Education and Training on Supporting the National Economy,” featured Dr. Ma’an Qatamin, economist and social activist, discussing the skills gap between labor market needs and available competencies; Ghassan Nuqul, Chairman of the Nuqul Group and Board Chairman of Fine Hygienic Holding, highlighting the private sector’s role in investing in vocational and technical training; and Eng. Hisham Al-Rifai, Advisor to the Minister of Education for Technical and Vocational Education, who noted the shifting perception of vocational and technical education as a valuable career choice.
Noor Banat, founder of Beit Al-Aseelat in Jerash, also participated, speaking about how vocational and technical training contributes to reducing youth unemployment in Jordan.
The second session, “From Challenges to Success Stories,” featured Norhan Haniti (traditional fashion designer), Nadia Nairat (ceramics trainer and founder of The Potters’ Family), and Rakan Ziad Al-Hayseh (President of the Dhiban Youth Association for Agricultural Development). They shared inspiring success stories of overcoming obstacles to achieve remarkable accomplishments across various professional sectors.
The event also included a documentary film showcasing the training process during the project’s first year, using drama and theater techniques, and its impact on trainers from vocational centers in the northern and central regions, as well as from the Advanced Vocational Training College in Sahab. A short scene from the interactive play “Out of the Box” was also performed by the National Interactive Theatre Team.
The project began in early 2025 and will continue until the end of 2027. It aims to enhance life skills through training courses that incorporate drama and performing arts as creative tools. The initiative includes producing an interactive activities guide, conducting 270 training workshops benefiting vocational trainers and graduates, and producing the interactive play “Out of the Box”, which highlights the importance of professional work.
The play will be performed 96 times in schools and other locations across the Kingdom to motivate students, parents, and decision-makers to engage in the vocational path.
— (Petra)
