There are over 27 million refugees in the world, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region generates and hosts the majority of them. With millions of people rebuilding their lives, a job can change everything. However, finding employment in MENA, where a staggering 30% of youth are unemployed, is easier said than done.
Education For Employment works to address the unemployment crisis in MENA with partners such as USAID, MEPI, ILO and UNDP, and establishes pathways to jobs among refugee youth in their host communities. Whether through micro-financing and entrepreneurship or on-the-job training, EFE’s model ensures youth are equipped with skills needed for today’s job market. EFE has a proven track record for providing economic opportunity for refugees in Jordan and believes this model can offer longer-term solutions where local labor laws allow across the region – and beyond.
But greater investments are needed to ensure refugees can build their futures in their host communities through the world of work.
