Amman: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Jordan has signed a new project agreement with the Government of the Republic of Korea aimed at advancing the agency's vocational and technical education and training program.
According to Jordan News Agency, the project seeks to enhance training opportunities aligned with labor market needs, upgrade learning facilities, and develop a financially sustainable model to ensure the long-term continuity of the vocational training center. Funded by the Government of the Republic of Korea with a total budget of $1 million, the project will be implemented over the course of one year.
The initiative addresses the urgent challenge of youth unemployment, which affects two out of every five young people in Jordan. Currently, UNRWA operates two vocational and technical training centers offering more than 40 training courses to around 2,400 young Palestine refugees. The centers have achieved high success and employment rates, contributing to better livelihoods and self-reliance for young people.
Olaf Becker, Director of UNRWA Affairs in Jordan, stated: "This initiative represents a strategic shift in our vocational and technical education and training program." He added that by aligning more of the training courses with market demands, UNRWA youth will be highly qualified and have long-term economic opportunities, ensuring the sustainability of services.
Becker emphasized that the partnership will enhance the relevance of the learning experience and help establish a financially sustainable model for vocational and technical education. Strengthening this program directly supports the Jordanian government's national priorities.
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Jordan, Pilwoo Kim, expressed that this year's contribution marks a renewal of Korea's steadfast support for UNRWA's humanitarian and human development efforts. He reaffirmed Korea's commitment to UNRWA's role in providing essential services to the Palestinian people across the region.
The ambassador expressed hope that the new Korea-funded project would deliver tangible outcomes, stressing that Korea's contribution reflects its deep solidarity with the Government and people of Jordan, who have generously welcomed and supported those in need, including the Palestinian people. He added that the Government of the Republic of Korea has long been a steadfast partner of UNRWA, enabling the agency to address the essential needs of Palestine refugees, particularly in improving education quality and enhancing employment opportunities for youth.