Dr. Mohammed Sadiq Nasrallah, Iraqi Cultural Attaché, and representatives from International Relief & Development (IRD) visited the Ein Al Basha Vocational Training Center (VTC), located just outside of Amman, on May 7, 2009. IRD and Entity Green—a pro-profit, pro-poor company that originally provided low-income housing—established this center, the first and largest vocational training facility for Iraqi refugees in Jordan, training over 600 Iraqi men in highly demanded vocational trades. The distinguished guests were taken on a tour of the VTC, where they observed various classes in session along with the opportunity to meet and discuss with students their experiences at the center. Dr. Mohammad told students “What I have seen here today reminds me of my days at the University of Technology in Iraq.”

IRD and Entity Green established the construction workshop and vocational training facility, which is funded by the U.S. Department of State, outside of Amman in 2008. Participants attend three-month courses covering computer hardware and software, automotives, plumbing, electrical installation, recycling, cooking, construction, gardening, or mobile repair. In addition to the training classes, participants eat lunch prepared by the cooking class in the student canteen, socialize, and use the on-site internet café and recreation room. The Ein El Basha VTC is a haven where Iraqis of all social, religious, and ethnic backgrounds have come together.

Students are found through IRD’s extensive network of Iraqi volunteers, coming to the Ein El Basha VTC from Irbid, Amman, and Zarqa. Popularity of the VTC and its courses has spread rapidly through word of mouth and enrolment interest has increased considerably.

Aside from serving as a social and productive outlet for Iraqis, this partnership aims to provide a skill set that will increase chances of employment back in Iraq, in Jordan or a third country of settlement. Dr. Mohammad reiterated that “the skills being taught here at the center will allow the young generation to be able to find jobs in the future as Iraq is being rebuilt.”

After a tour of the facility, Dr. Mohammad sat with students and teachers for a roundtable discussion. Former students who have now become teachers at the center told their stories. Together, they shared their experiences and how their lives have been affected by their participation. Dr. Mohammad told the students “What I am seeing is quite encouraging.” Before leaving, Dr. Mohammad told officials from IRD and Entity Green “What IRD and EG are doing is a big job, and a big thank you goes out to them for filling this need in the refugee community.”