More than 800 participated in training programme on digital freelance work

AMMAN — Leaders International for Economic Development, an NGO for economic development, on Tuesday announced that more than 800 Jordanian students and entrepreneurs so far joined the training program on digital freelance work (digiwork) as part of its “Digital Avenue” project. 

The project, funded by the US embassy in Amman, aims to stimulate innovation and engage Jordanian talent in global digiwork opportunities, according to a statement from the NGO.

The project builds their freelancing skills, connects participants to form teams and guides participants on competing for global opportunities on online digital work platforms, such as Upwork and Freelancer.

The training programme was specifically designed to prepare young Jordanian entrepreneurs by equipping them with the needed digital work skills to jumpstart their online freelancing careers.

As of October, 890 participants have registered in the program, 55 per cent of whom are females.

The training programme provided the opportunity to learn about digital work and its foundations, choosing an appropriate career path, working on online freelance platforms, mastering marketing and self-promotion.

The training is also accompanied by weekly interactive Q&A sessions for guidance and mentorship support. 

Stefanie Altman-Winans, Counsellor for Public Affairs at US embassy said: “Building young Jordanians’ skills in remote, freelance work is an innovative strategy to combat unemployment in Jordan, especially for women. This project introduces Jordanians to income opportunities that are not bounded by location, time, or other conventional office work requirements. It unlocks their potential to take advantage of new opportunities and work with clients and partners in Jordan and beyond.”

Hamzeh Shamaileh, country manager at Leaders International, said: “By fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship and introducing digital freelance work, we create new job opportunities in line with the Kingdom’s effort to tackle unemployment and stimulate economic activity.” 

He highlighted Jordan’s potential to utilise Jordanians’ competitive competencies in digital skills and technology worldwide.

Trainees continuously praised the program, mentorship and support that they received from the Digital Avenue Academy, highlighting its contribution to their career development. In many cases, helping them change their career path altogether to suit modern digiwork needs.