Multi-stakeholder project for youth empowerment ‘RYSE’ concludes

AMMAN — Three years after its launch, the RYSE (Resilient Youth, Socially and Economically Empowered) project concluded with an event in Amman on Tuesday.

RYSE, a multi-stakeholder partnership between Mercy Corps, Generations for Peace, Inj@z, the Jordan River Foundation, led by the Danish Refugee Council and funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, has made significant strides in empowering young individuals in Jordan to achieve social and economic resilience, according to a statement from the Danish Refugee Council.

Launched in 2020, the RYSE project aimed to address the unique challenges faced by youth in Jordan and offer better opportunities to 25,000 young Syrian refugees and vulnerable young Jordanians. 

The project's Graduation Approach involved engaging young individuals and providing them with the necessary tools, skills and support to overcome barriers and pursue sustainable livelihoods.

Throughout the project's duration, RYSE has fostered an inclusive and empowering environment for youth through a range of activities and initiatives. These include vocational training programmes, entrepreneurship development, mentorship, career guidance, psychosocial support, and access to essential services, the statement said. 

The project focused on enhancing the capacities of young people to unlock their full potential and become active contributors to their communities and the broader Jordanian society.

Each of the five organisations brought their expertise, experience and extensive networks to the table, ensuring a holistic and well-rounded approach to youth empowerment. 

Tuesday’s event featured testimonials from young beneficiaries, partner organisations, government representatives, and other key stakeholders who have contributed to the project's success. 

Fatma Chehidi, the Country Director of the Danish Refugee Council in Jordan, said: "The completion of the RYSE project is a testament to the power of collaboration and the commitment of all partners involved. We are immensely proud of the impact RYSE has made in empowering young individuals and promoting their social and economic resilience. This project has provided a foundation for lasting change and has equipped young people with the tools to build a better future."

Flemming Konradsen, Senior Vice President of the Social & Humanitarian Programme Area, Novo Nordisk Foundation, said: “We are proud to have supported the RYSE initiative, which has empowered youth in Jordan including refugees by equipping them with essential skills and coping capacity. It is commendable to witness the enduring impact of RYSE, as it strengthens social cohesion and enables youth, including girls and young women, to play transformative roles in their families and society. We hope remarkable results and lessons learned from RYSE will inspire further collaborations and initiatives.”

Rima Alqaisi, the RYSE Chief of Party, said: “The outcomes and impact of the RYSE project underscore its substantial contribution to fostering economic opportunities for youth and their families, empowering them to drive positive change within their communities, and thriving amidst adversity. Moreover, the project has played a pivotal role in strengthening social cohesion among Syrian and Jordanian populations in the targeted communities. We aspire for the enduring impact of RYSE to resonate throughout the lives of young individuals, their families, and their communities long after the project's completion.”