"JCEF [EFE in Jordan] was the only place that offered me an opportunity like this. I am the eldest son in my family and I have to support everyone else, which was very difficult when I had no job. JCEF hasn't just helped me but my entire family, 100%. With my job I was able to put my younger brother and sister through college, and to build my own house. JCEF has completely changed my future prospects."

- Ali Al Sader, EFE graduate, Jordan

Training programs

Youth unemployment in the MENA region is twice as high as the global average, at 25%. Educated youths often struggle to find work and youth unemployment rates are even higher among young women. EFE works with the MENA youth to bridge the gap between the skills learned in public education systems and the skills required by employers in the private sector.

We develop tailored training programs for unemployed youth in the MENA region. By partnering with businesses at every stage of the recruitment, training and job placement process, and also with youth, education, civic and community leaders across the MENA region, unemployed youth can access the marketable skills they need to get and keep a job.

Every year, EFE is experiencing considerable growth. In 2010, 1,300 students graduated from EFE programmes. In 2011 between 2,000 and 3,000 students will graduate. We expect to continue to grow with a minimum of 4,000 students in 2012 and 5,000 in 2013.