Amman: The Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI) and Danish Industry (DI) have successfully concluded the "Najahna" project, a three-year initiative that aimed at enhancing skills development and employment opportunities within Jordan's industrial sector. The project was funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation as part of its corporate social responsibility programs.
According to Jordan News Agency, the project focused on providing access to employment and training for youth, women, and underprivileged groups through targeted technical and life-skills development. It also aimed to improve pathways to the labor market. The initiative supported education and training systems while promoting entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on environmental sustainability, vocational and technical education, and occupational health and safety standards in training institutions and workplaces.
Implemented through a consortium model that included national and international partners, the project sought to create sustainable impact within Jordan's skills development and employment ecosystem. During its implementation, the project reached over 85,000 young men and women, improved livelihoods, and contributed to creating employment opportunities for nearly 3,000 youth. This was achieved by introducing advanced employment methodologies such as work-based learning, apprenticeship programs, and strengthened job-matching mechanisms via employment support units.
At the enterprise level, the project supported 150 industrial companies through specialized training programs and workshops. These efforts improved human resources policies, advanced diversity and inclusion practices, enhanced working conditions, and raised awareness of public and mental health, resulting in increased opportunities for youth and women.
The project developed a comprehensive set of toolkits, guidelines, and reference materials designed as sustainable resources for institutions, companies, and individuals. These resources covered labor-market readiness, onboarding and preparation of trainees and new employees, occupational health and safety, employment services, work-based training models, industrial sector awareness, and essential workplace life skills.
The "Najahna" project was highlighted as a successful model of international cooperation, combining capacity building, practical skills development, and the establishment of sustainable training and employment systems aligned with modern industry needs.
Speaking at the project's closing ceremony, Hazem Al-Rahahla, Director General of the Jordan Chamber of Industry, stated that the initiative represents a tangible example of sustainable partnership, emphasizing long-term impact through knowledge transfer and capacity building for youth and businesses.
Jesper Friis, Director of Policy Development and Partnerships at Danish Industry, reaffirmed DI's commitment to supporting partners in achieving key performance indicators and advancing skills development at both strategic and policy levels. He described the partnership with the Jordan Chamber of Industry as a model for building a more resilient and competitive industrial sector.