The Disabled Soldiers Empowering Tourism Program, funded by Boeing and implemented by Amideast in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MoTA) and the Hashemite Commission for Disabled Soldiers (HCDS), was a 19-month national initiative designed to support 50 Jordanian disabled veterans and their families in Amman, Zarqa, Madaba, and Irbid. The program aimed to support the transition of disabled soldiers from military service to civilian employment, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors, by providing them with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workforce.
Through 190 hours of training, participants developed English language proficiency, digital literacy, soft skills, and tourism technical competencies tailored to industry needs. Through the strong partnership with MoTA, our participants accessed Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) at Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) in their local communities, enhancing their skills in hospitality, marketing, and crafts jobs. Training included psychosocial support to strengthen resilience and improve overall well-being. The program achieved a 92% graduation rate, with measurable progress in employability, language, professional networking, and digital proficiency skills.
Recognizing the challenges posed by regional instability and its impact on tourism sector employment, Amideast adapted its approach to ensure meaningful outcomes for participants and engaged with partners such as the Jordan Restaurants Association (JRA), National Sector Skills Council (Tourism), and individual private sector firms. Employment interviews and linkages were facilitated across multiple sectors including hospitality, banking, aviation, manufacturing, and telecommunications to diversify our participants’ access to market linkages and emerging opportunities despite market constraints. Amideast’s effort included engaging with private sector partners to understand the realities, barriers, and plans for disability inclusion and workforce integration, and we remain committed to fostering these connections and dialogue.
Our participants and their families demonstrated interest in launching small ventures in areas such as food production, hospitality services, and local delivery operations, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of barriers and employer perceptions on disabled workforce integration. This finding has shaped the strategic direction for the program’s next phase.
Building on the impact of the upskilling training and lessons learned, Amideast launched the Vet Launch Program in November 2025. This nine-month initiative will focus on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, digital readiness, and psychosocial resilience, empowering an additional cohort of disabled veterans to transition from job seekers to self-employers. By fostering inclusive economic growth and creating pathways for sustainable livelihoods, Amideast continues to advance its mission of supporting Jordan’s disabled veterans and their families in building brighter futures.
