Mr.Alistair Burt’s visit to Jordan (Youth for a Better Future)

I was honored to receive an invitation by BDC Jordan (Business Development Center) and Maharat Program to talk about my experience with them and represent their offices in front of His Excellency the British Ambassador to Jordan Mr. Peter Millett and His Excellency the British Foreign Office Minister for the Middle East Mr. Alistair Burt during his visit to Jordan.

It was such a privilege to be able to express thoughts in a room filled with great thinkers, decision makers and leaders. It is always exciting when the people in front of you are actually listening and recording every word you are saying to empower an idea or a project.

Mr. Alistair actually made the room very friendly by making interesting and funny comments, the ice broke quickly and all the attendees (youth sector) were ready to converse. It was inspiring how everyone explained his/her project with passion, how they –with BDC & Maharat’s help- started their businesses that turned into companies of up to 20 employees, young ladies barely 30 years-old running their own business.

One talked about her work with the NGOs overseas as a translator and another about his project in agriculture and water in Jordan. Mr. Alistair listened carefully to everything that was being said, and his comments enhanced the conversation. His Excellency’s main questions focused on how do BDC & Maharat empower us as Jordanian youth.

When I was asked to speak, I focused on the role of the Jordanian women in the labor market,  how the culture of women running a business in Jordan is changing and it is no longer monopolized by men, women are also expected to be leaders and managers. I also mentioned my work place; Kings Academy; – that is considers #1 school in Jordan- how this very sophisticated school employs young Jordanian men and women, and empowers them in a very healthy environment with the rest of the boarding students to apply their ideas, along with the different methodologies in the education experience.

Mr.Alistair concluded this session by saying how impressed and proud he is to see such an amazing group of Jordanian youth, working hard to be entrepreneurs for a better Jordan. And also by wishing me a good luck in my photography work :-)  

We thanked His Excellency Mr.Alistair Burt and His Excellency Mr. Peter Millett for their support of such programs.