Techween, a pioneering initiative in Jordan, is now completing its first full year of implementation. This significant milestone marks a period of focused effort in cultivating essential digital skills within the country. As it transitions into its second year of operation, Techween continues to build on its initial successes, aiming to further empower young Jordanians in the rapidly evolving technology sector. The initiative, which has quickly established itself as a vital program, shows a strategic national push towards digital transformation and economic diversification.
Bridging Education and Industry
Issa Mahasneh, the executive director of the Jordan Open Source Association (JOSA), which is the driving force behind the Techween initiative, has candidly noted the significant challenges facing young people across the country. A pressing concern is the high rate of unemployment, with nearly 40% of young individuals in Jordan currently without work. This stark reality profoundly influences career aspirations and decision-making among graduates. Mahasneh has observed that, due to these economic pressures, many graduates predominantly view themselves as potential employees within the more prosperous Gulf region, often looking outside Jordan for opportunities.
Mahasneh further elaborated on the foundational role of technology in supporting other economic sectors. He articulated a key interdependence, stating, "If you have a good industry, they definitely need technology." He then connected this principle to the local context, noting, "Since the other economic sectors in Jordan are somehow not very advanced, this is also reflected in the IT sector." This observation shows the need for a strong domestic technology sector that can, in turn, uplift other industries. The Jordan Open Source Association, under Mahasneh's leadership, has been instrumental in designing Techween to directly address these systemic issues, fostering an environment where technology can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the national economy.
To directly address these prevailing issues and create tangible pathways to employment, Techween introduced its innovative OpenLab concept. This unique approach establishes an apprenticeship pathway that strategically places students directly into open-source projects. Mahasneh described this as a truly novel approach, emphasizing its new nature by saying, "It’s the first time something like this has happened in Jordan and in the region." The demand for such practical, hands-on opportunities has been overwhelmingly significant since the program's inception. The inaugural Techween cohort, for example, saw an impressive 250 applicants vying for a mere 15 available places, noting the acute need and enthusiasm for practical tech education among Jordanian youth. This intense competition shows the value placed on the program's offerings.
Mahasneh eloquently noted the profound impact of working on open-source projects, explaining, "You are working on them, and you can quickly see the impact at a very large scale." This direct visibility of one's contributions stands in stark contrast to the often-isolated nature of corporate tasks. He further noted, "It’s not just about doing a small task in a company that stays hidden; instead, your work and contributions can be seen by thousands and thousands of people." This exposure not only validates the participants' efforts but also builds a portfolio of visible, impactful work that can be leveraged for future career opportunities.
Mahasneh consistently emphasized the core focus on individual development and growth within the Techween program. "It's all about growth opportunities," he stated, adding a clear metric for success: "Through the Techween project, if we can create these growth opportunities in whatever form they take, I think we will be successful." He also addressed a broader, ingrained regional perception regarding technology adoption and creation. "Many people in the region see themselves mainly as consumers of technology," Mahasneh observed. He articulated Techween's mission to challenge and transform this mindset, asserting, "We are trying to change that mindset — we have strong skills and talent, and we should see ourselves as potential builders and creators of technology. We should also use technology to help solve the problems our communities are facing." This vision aims to shift Jordan from a consumer to a producer of technological solutions, driven by local talent.
Fostering Practical Skills
Moath Isied, the programme manager for the Levant at the Drosos Foundation, which provides key funding for Techween, emphasized that raw talent alone is frequently insufficient for young individuals to succeed in the competitive job market. "Talent alone is rarely enough," Isied said, showing a critical barrier. He elaborated on the systemic obstacles that can impede even the most gifted individuals, stating, "A young person may have ability and motivation, but still face structural obstacles that determine whether they can practise, be seen, or be referred." These structural impediments often prevent talented individuals from accessing the opportunities they deserve. The Drosos Foundation's support for Techween is a testament to its commitment to dismantling these barriers and fostering an environment where talent can genuinely flourish. The technology sector, in particular, is recognized as one of the fastest-growing industries contributing significantly to Jordan’s economy, making initiatives like Techween all the more vital for national development.
To effectively address these multifaceted challenges, Techween strategically organizes young people into dynamic Communities of Practice. These groups are intentionally formed around shared technical interests, creating a collaborative environment for learning and growth. This innovative structure aims to develop not only advanced technical skills but also key professional conduct and soft skills that are indispensable in the modern workplace. Isied explained that becoming an integral part of the tech sector involves far more than simply mastering coding languages or technical platforms. "Becoming part of the tech sector also requires learning how to ask good questions, read other people’s work, receive feedback, contribute to shared projects, and understand the norms of a professional community," he added. He noted that these vital, often overlooked, skills are precisely what "Communities of Practice create a space where this kind of learning can take place," providing a holistic educational experience. The first Techween cohort proudly included participants from a diverse array of Jordanian cities, showcasing the initiative's broad geographical reach and commitment to inclusive development. Individuals from Amman, Irbid, Zarqa, and Aqaba all benefited from the program, demonstrating its capacity to impact youth across various regions of the country.
Broader Impact and Vision
The initiative's thoughtfully chosen name, Techween, is a clever and meaningful bilingual play on words. It smoothly combines the universally recognized English prefix for technology with 'takween', the transliteration of the Arabic word for creation. This dual nomenclature perfectly encapsulates the program's ambitious vision: a simultaneous focus on advancing technological capabilities and fostering the development of entirely new skills and creative capacities among its participants. This linguistic blend reflects a broader cultural and educational bridge that Techween aims to build.
While Techween harbors aspirations for broad and widespread impact across Jordan, it operates within a specific geographical reality. The vast majority of Jordan's tech sector companies, its professional networks, and the most prominent opportunities are primarily concentrated within the capital city of Amman. This significant geographical concentration presents both distinct advantages and considerable challenges for initiatives like Techween, especially as they strive to expand digital literacy and professional development opportunities uniformly across the entire country. Overcoming this centralization to ensure equitable access and impact remains a key strategic consideration for Techween's ongoing evolution and success. The initiative's continued growth and expansion into its second year are expected to further solidify its role as a cornerstone in Jordan's journey towards a digitally empowered future.
