For the first time, the Za’atari refugee camp witnessed a startup event held by The One Foundation and UNICEF, celebrating and unleashing the potential and talent of Syrian youth.
The ‘Start-Up Za’atari’ is part of the UNICEF X ONE Humanitarian Changemakers Lab. It is a one of a kind partnership that aims to empower the youth of Jordan with business skills that help them in creating unique solutions while promoting the spirit of entrepreneurship in the region.
Muzoon Almellehan, the newest Youth Goodwill Ambassador of UNICEF, who has lived in Za’atari’ herself, congratulated the One Foundation and UNICEF on this collaboration while recalling her days in the refugee camp. She expressed satisfaction towards the efforts being made and hoped that the Syrian refugees will benefit enormously from such developments.
The One Foundation gave a grant for this event in Jordan through UNICEF Ireland. These initiatives will allow the youth to enhance their skills and become flag bearers of change in their respective communities and for their fellow citizens who are war-torn.
During the event, various skill enhancement workshops were organized in which over a 100 people participated. These included AI, fashion design, creative visioning and even robotics. These workshops were designed to nurture their creative streak and encourage them to become creators of new-age products and services that can make a difference in their communities.
Peter Power, Executive Director, UNICEF Ireland who was also part of the event said that “UNICEF Ireland is very proud of our association with The ONE Foundation and what it has achieved for Syrian children affected by the ongoing conflict inside Syria. Youth are at risk of becoming the forgotten victims of the humanitarian crisis. By providing them with innovative social entrepreneurship skills they need to make a lasting, sustainable impact for many years, we can prevent a lost generation.”
Several national publications and individuals supported this event by volunteering and made it a huge success.