The Hashemite University signed a partnership agreement with the King Hussein Foundation to implement the European Union (EU)-funded project ‘Fostering Youth’s Role in Community Development’. The agreement was signed on behalf of the Hashemite University by the University President, H.E. Professor Fawwaz Al-Abed Al-Haq, and on behalf of the King Hussein Foundation, by the Executive Director H.E. Hana Shahin, and in the presence of H.E. the Ambassador of the European Union to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Mr. Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas.
During the signing ceremony, Professor Fawwaz Al-Abed Al-Haq stated that the Hashemite University is dedicated to providing students with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to succeed in their careers and make positive contributions to their communities. Professor Al-Abed Al-Haq said that this project aligns with the university mission and
"we are excited to embark on this journey to create a positive impact on our students and the community in Zarqa and Mafraq Governorates. This European Union-funded project will have several key impacts on enhancing students' leadership and entrepreneurial skills, promoting civic engagement, and encouraging innovation and creativity to develop community initiatives. Through implementing such projects, the university will be able to create a lasting impact on the lives of young people in Jordan and contribute to improving their communities."
Ms. Hana Shahin said in her remarks that this program is a testament to the King Hussein Foundation’s sustainable development programs in poverty eradication, women and youth empowerment, microfinance, health, and arts for social development and cross-cultural exchange. This project will strengthen students' capacity to implement community-responsive initiatives that serve the surrounding communities of the Hashemite University. By pairing their assets with supportive resources and opportunities to instill a sense of responsibility and interact with others, young people can become change makers, innovators, communicators, and leaders in their communities.
"For his part, Ambassador Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, said “the EU is pleased to partner with The Hashemite University and the King Hussein Foundation to support youth initiatives for the benefit of communities in the Zarqa and Mafraq governorates. With Key skills like entrepreneurship and innovation, young people gain the confidence and ability to take initiative and create positive change in their communities. We hope that this program will reach 10,000 beneficiaries indirectly, including women and persons with disabilities, to create meaningful impact. And beyond this immediate dividend, we want to be on the side of Jordan as it is investing in the next generation."
The Director of the Community Development Institute at the King Hussein Foundation, Mr. Muhammad Al-Zoubi, also provided a presentation of the project in which he explained that the project will enhance the role of youth in local community development to respond to the needs of the community surrounding the Hashemite University in Zarqa and Mafraq Governorates. The project will also enrich the role of the Hashemite University to act as a hub that fosters youth civic engagement; and strengthens their capacities to implement community-responsive initiatives that serve the surrounding communities of the Hashemite University.
It is worth noting that this project will be implemented over the span of 30 months. It will involve five phases and 12 activities, and will be implemented through a specialized project team from the Hashemite University Center for Studies, Consultation and Community Service and the University’s Career Center in partnership with a team from the Community Development Institute at the King Hussein Foundation.