Tech Trailblazers: Jordan

Advancing computer literacy through social platforms

Hala, 15, teaches her younger sister how to use a tablet in their home in the Za'atari Refugee Camp in Jordan. The conceptual overlay highlights WhatsApp messages that Hala uses to reference her daily homework assignments.
All images UNICEF/Mary Gelman/VII Photo

Photography by: Mary Gelman / VII Photo; Reporting by: Rana Husseini; Photo Editor, Text Editor & Producer: Kaley Sweeney


Advancing computer literacy through WhatsApp

“My idea is to be able to use the digital training I learned in Jordan to invent something that can help people,” says Hala, 15, a Syrian refugee living in Za’atari camp in Jordan. 

In 2019, she enrolled in a UNICEF-supported programme to improve her knowledge and proficiencies in computer and mobile applications, and video editing.

“My idea is to be able to use the digital training I learned in Jordan to invent something that can help people.”

“I wanted to learn new techniques in dealing with digital platforms, since the national curriculum at my school does not focus on practical training,” Hala says. 

Over 16 per cent of students in Jordan lack internet access, while one third do not have a computer that can be used for schoolwork. Among low-income households, nearly 50 per cent of children are unable to access the internet at all. 

Hala, 15, teaches her younger sister how to use a tablet in their home
A collage of Hala completing her homework in her family's garden. The overlay represents the WhatsApp messages she uses to communicate with and support her classmates in their transition to digital learning.
Hala sits in the garden of her home in Za’atari camp doing her homework and enjoying the sun.

“COVID-19 imposed new challenging realities, including our learning experiences. Suddenly, we had to fully depend on digital methods to attend school from a distance,” Hala explains. 

Hala communicates with her classmates through WhatsApp to assist them in the transition to digital learning. “I taught my siblings and schoolmates ways to properly switch the computer on and off and ways to use programs, such as Windows and Excel. My neighbours also used to come to my house because they had no knowledge of how to use a computer, and I helped them operate a computer, use some of its programs, email and surf the internet.”

Hala follows an instructional video on painting techniques using the Learning Bridges programme.
Hala watches a video on painting techniques using the Learning Bridges program.
Hala completes her homework as her family at her Za'atari Refugee Camp home, while her younger sister, younger brother, and mother observe.
Hala completes her homework while her younger sister, younger brother and mother observe.

Hala wants to continue being an example and support to others. “When I get the chance to obtain the quality education I aspire, I will become more empowered and secure enough to launch my own training projects that would target women and children in my community.” 


Sharing skills through social media

A collage of Sally in her home in Irbid, Jordan. The overlay showcases her digital skills homework.
Sally smiles for a remote portrait in her home in Irbid, Jordan. The overlay showcases her schoolwork on digital skills training.

In order to keep pace with a growing workforce, the national economy of Jordan needs to create 66,000 new jobs annually over the next ten years – many of which will require Information and Communications Technology (ICT) skills. However, the most vulnerable young people – women, out-of-school youth and refugees – often lack the digital literacy skills and opportunities necessary to tap into the potential of this sector. 

Sally, 20, a university student, is using her own digital literacy learning journey to support other young women in reaching their full potential. 

Sally types on her computer.

“I used to write down everything I learned in the training, and after I finished, I would open a Zoom meeting with three refugee girls, share my screen with them and explain to them techniques related to computer use. I also taught them how they can create their own emails and how to establish secure profiles on LinkedIn and other internet job boards.”

Sally connected with these girls and young women through a Facebook group she started, called Developing Social Thoughts. Designed to explore social issues facing Jordanians, the group serves as a jumping-off point to connect with and help peers.

“I used to write down everything I learned in the training, and after I finished, I would open a Zoom meeting with three refugee girls, share my screen with them and explain to them techniques related to computer use."

“I encourage university students to use social media pages to develop and publicize their [professional] stories, since many of them work part-time to support themselves.” Sally also educates her classmates on ways of navigating employment websites to help them find a job upon graduating.

A collage of Sally in her home in Irbid, Jordan. The overlay showcases her digital skills homework.
Sally poses for a remote portrait in her home in Irbid, Jordan. The overlay showcases her schoolwork on digital skills training.

In the future, Sally plans to open a digital training centre to assist young women in accessing the tools, literacy, connections and confidence they need to unlock twenty-first-century careers.