Empowering Disabled Soldiers Through Tourism: A New Initiative in Jordan

In an inspiring collaboration, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Jordan, the Hashemite Commission for Disabled Soldiers, Amideast/Jordan, and Boeing have launched the “Disabled Soldiers Empowering Tourism” program. This initiative aims to help disabled soldiers pursue their career aspirations within the tourism and aviation sectors.

Building on Boeing’s ongoing partnership with the Invictus Games Foundation, this program supports the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans on a global scale. Training sessions have commenced in Amman and Irbid, representing a significant step toward equipping these individuals for meaningful careers in Jordan’s burgeoning tourism and aviation industries.

His Royal Highness Prince Mired Bin Ra’ad, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hashemite Commission for Disabled Soldiers, emphasized the initiative’s importance: “Under the directive of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein, and to act on His Majesty’s vision of achieving equality, social justice, and economic empowerment, this program is launched as a step towards progressing vital development goals. These goals include the rehabilitation, support, and integration of disabled soldiers to enable them to obtain job opportunities and economic prospects in the tourism sector. This aligns with our ongoing efforts at the Hashemite Commission for Disabled Soldiers to unify and consolidate efforts to build economic empowerment programs that meet the needs of various sectors and provide inclusive job opportunities.”

Over the coming months, 50 participants aged 20-45 will undergo a rigorous 220-hour upskilling program. They will enhance their English proficiency and develop essential soft and technical skills necessary for success in the tourism and aviation industries. Tailored training sessions, crafted with input from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, will ensure participants are well-prepared for their career transitions.

Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central Asia, remarked, “We decided to develop this program jointly with the Hashemite Commission for Disabled Soldiers after we had the honor of meeting with His Royal Highness Prince Mired bin Ra’ad Zeid Al-Hussein and the Jordanian team at the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023. We were inspired by Team Jordan’s resilience and determination at the Games in winning a total of 18 medals and are proud to support their transition into fulfilling careers in aviation and tourism, creating new pathways for their success”.

 

This new initiative complements several successful community programs previously implemented by Amideast and Boeing in Jordan. Among them is the Careers in Aviation program, now in its second year, which supports young Jordanians in launching careers in the aviation sector. Additionally, the Data Science and Readiness Program provides university graduates with essential training in data science and analysis. Furthermore, the Spark Program focuses on empowering girls from public schools by developing their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through these collaborative efforts, Jordan is making significant strides toward inclusive economic growth and the empowerment of its veterans.