I Never Imagined Myself Being Able to Excel at This
How digital skills are helping Leen find her place in the world
In Irbid, northern Jordan, 20-year-old Leen starts her day moving seamlessly between her laptop and mobile phone. She publishes website content, manages social media posts, coordinates digital campaigns and creates short videos, skills she once never imagined she would master.
"Two years ago, I never imagined myself being able to do this and excel at it," Leen recalls.
Just a short time ago, Leen lacked the confidence to pursue opportunities outside her home or try something new. Looking back, she remembers a period when she felt disconnected from the world around her.
"I felt lonely and I didn't know why," she says.
Everything began to change when Leen enrolled in the Digital Skills for a Better Future programme.
Supported by UNICEF and implemented by the Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT), the programme helps young people, particularly young women, develop practical digital skills that increase their employability and prepare them for opportunities in a rapidly evolving labour market.
When Leen saw the opportunity advertised online, she decided to take a chance and enrolled in a web design course.
Over eleven intensive days, Leen learned how to design and build her own website. With each new task, her confidence grew as she discovered abilities, she had never before recognized in herself.
"After the first day of the training, I went home feeling upset and that I didn’t belong," Leen explains.
But the following day marked a turning point.
Encouragement from her coach helped change her perspective. Rather than focusing on what she lacked, the coach recognized her strengths and encouraged her to keep trying.
"I started to feel welcomed," she says. "I know how to do this."
"I started feeling to belong. I felt this was my place.”
As the training progressed, Leen discovered something important about herself. She enjoyed practical work. She enjoyed learning by doing.
"I love to work," she says. "I really love to work."
Breaking Through to Employment
After completing the training, Leen received support to transition into employment. She successfully secured a position with a local NGO, where she now manages the organization's website and social media platforms.
The change in Leen's daily life has been tangible.
"Every day, I both learn something new and contribute," she says. "It feels like I learned how to learn.”
For Leen, digital skills opened the door to employment, confidence and a renewed sense of purpose—demonstrating how the right opportunities can help young people realize their potential and shape their own futures.
