Amman, June 24 (Petra) – United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Wednesday held a discussion session on ways to develop practical and vocational training programs for Jordanian and refugee youth.

The event was held under auspices of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship and Youth, Technology, and Jobs Project, in cooperation with the DigiSkills Association, the Higher Education Alliance, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Digital Economy, the session, themed: "Strengthening Structured Pathways for the Transition of Jordanian and Refugee Youth from Education to Economic Opportunities," brought together representatives from the public and private sectors, higher education institutions, international organizations, and development partners.

The activities aimed to explore ways to enhance alignment between educational outcomes and labor market needs, and improve youth readiness to engage in various economic sectors by expanding opportunities for work-based learning and practical and vocational training.

Participants discussed mechanisms to enhance learning-through-work opportunities and expand practical training and vocational development opportunities to enable youth to acquire the necessary skills to join the labor market and improve their employment prospects across various sectors.

The attendees also called for developing "effective" partnerships between the private sector, higher education institutions, and development agencies.

On its goals, the statement said this effort aims to support design of training programs that link education with practical application, empoweing youth to gain skills and experience through direct work experience.

Additionally, the session urged refugee empowerment to acquire practical skills and experience that fosters self-reliance and supports this group's access to employment and livelihood opportunities in their home countries after thir return voluntarily, safely, and with dignity.

//Petra// AG