By Nour Mounajed, Kelsey Carlton, Anisha Pradhan, and Reem Atassi

Meet Amira “We left with no IDs, nothing. This made attending school in Jordan close to impossible.” “We can’t go to school here, and there are no jobs available because too many people are looking for work. We don’t even have any books. So we just help out with cooking and cleaning, or watch TV all day. We are really bored.”

40,000 Syrian refugees 12 – 17 years old Amman, Jordan

Maharat empowers Syrian adolescents living in Amman, Jordan by providing them with practical skills and mentorship.

Two activities…

…and mentorship

Our value proposition Offers flexibility Provides mentorship Focuses on hard skills relating to employment opportunities Emphasizes individuality and creativity

Maharat’s business model Not for profit Maharat’s business model Adolescents study for free Revenues from grants, donations, and in-kind gifts Expenses driven by wages for mentors

Progress so far: Secured partnership with Happiness Again Center In-kind donation of space and utilities Conducted interviews with staff at Happiness Again Center Contact with and interest from local businesses

Our plan: 3 month mentorship and training program for 15 young people Pottery classes PILOT 60 students Pottery classes 15 students every 3 months YEAR 1 Expand from 60 students Sewing and pottery classes YEAR 2

We envision a day when Syrian adolescents will have access to safe spaces that help improve their psychological well-being, gain important life-skills, and become active members of their communities.

We are seeking... Partners who many have connections with local businesses in Amman Financial or material donations to support our adolescents

Appendices

Maharat’s logic model: Inputs Activities Outputs Outcomes Impact A space and resources for our students to use Life-skill based activities for students Students build friendships, gain a community Refugee youth are healthy emotionally and socially Adolescent refugees are healthy, productive members of their society who contribute to their local community Mentors teaching and guiding students Members from the local community willing to mentor students Students turn to mentors during difficult times Refugee youth have life-skills Training mentors Increased number of community members able to secure employment Staff to run the program Bringing in local partners to provide career/ education pathways Students have practical skills and are confident to use them at work or at home Funding

Maharat will measure impact using the following indicators: Program performance indicators The number of enrolled customers. The number of customers who complete training. Social and economic impact indicators The mental and psychological well being of customers, indicated by pre and post program psychological assessments. The number of customers employed or generating income following completion of program. The number of customers who become mentors.

We will primarily rely on low-tech promotions and marketing Fliers in bread boxes Posters and promotions at the Happiness again center Word of mouth

Our key expenses are: 1 Wages and training for staff and volunteers 2 Utilities and rental 3 Cost of equipment

Students will gain: Someone they can talk to A group of friends and role models Practical skills that will help generate future income