Kafaat for Leadership and Innovation

Kafaat Association for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is a Jordanian non-profit youth organisation dedicated to empowering young people and women through entrepreneurship, innovation, skills development and active community participation. The association works nationwide, with a particular focus on young people aged 18–55, including students, graduates, unemployed youth and aspiring entrepreneurs, as well as women seeking income-generating opportunities. Kafaat’s work began in 2014 as a volunteer humanitarian initiative. Through this experience, the team recognised that short-term relief alone could not address the root causes of social and economic challenges. In 2018, the organisation therefore shifted its approach from direct aid towards long-term empowerment and capacity building. This experience was later formalised through the registration of Kafaat Association in August 2024. Today, Kafaat implements a range of initiatives designed to help young people and local communities move from education towards sustainable livelihoods. "Z-Hub" provides employability and entrepreneurship training, with selected participants receiving grants or micro-loans to develop small businesses. The "Community Media Studio" supports young entrepreneurs through digital content creation, product photography and communication skills. "Tech Recycling" combines environmental action with practical technical training by refurbishing donated electronic devices. "Mashghoul" supports women through handicraft training, financial literacy and income-generating skills. The association also organises practical workshops on Excel, LinkedIn, photography, feasibility studies and other employability and entrepreneurship skills. Kafaat is governed by a General Assembly and an elected Board. Its activities are implemented by one part-time staff member and a network of approximately 30 active volunteers. Volunteering is therefore an essential part of the organisation’s culture and daily work. Through the European Solidarity Corps, Kafaat aims to strengthen its capacity to provide meaningful, safe and inclusive volunteering opportunities, while creating opportunities for young people to develop skills, build intercultural understanding and contribute to communities. The organisation is particularly interested in hosting and supporting volunteers in areas related to youth work, entrepreneurship, digital media, environmental sustainability, community engagement and social inclusion. Kafaat sees international volunteering as a two-way learning process. European volunteers can contribute their skills and perspectives while gaining first-hand experience of community development in Jordan and engaging with young people from diverse social and cultural backgrounds. At the same time, Jordanian young people can benefit from international exchange, new ideas, intercultural dialogue and stronger connections with European youth organisations.