In the Jordanian town of Mahis, west of Amman, a new community infrastructure project has been inaugurated to enhance environmental and tourism facilities while creating jobs for both Jordanians and Syrian refugees. The initiative is funded by Germany through the KfW Development Bank under the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Employment Intensive Investment Programme (EIIP) and carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Local Administration. The project reflects a wider effort to strengthen local resilience by linking job creation with sustainable urban development.
As part of the sixth phase of the EIIP, the initiative in Mahis generated 103 short-term jobs, with 38 percent going to women and 5 percent to persons with disabilities. Alongside employment, the project upgraded local infrastructure by developing green spaces, rehabilitating public areas, and creating tourism pathways. These improvements not only provided immediate income for vulnerable groups but also made Mahis a more attractive destination for visitors and a better place for residents.
Minister of Local Administration Waleed Al Masri highlighted that the project fits into national municipal development plans and reflects the government’s vision of promoting sustainability and community well-being. He stressed that green projects are vital for future generations, noting that the collaboration between the Ministry, the ILO, the German government, and the local community demonstrates the value of investing in people, the environment, and tourism together.
ILO Jordan Country Coordinator Amal Mowafy emphasised that the initiative is about more than short-term jobs—it is about dignity and long-term opportunity. By combining decent work with training, the project equips participants with skills to secure sustainable employment. Mowafy underscored that the strong partnership among national institutions, international organisations, and local actors serves as a model for future initiatives across Jordan.
From the donor perspective, KfW Development Bank Senior Portfolio Coordinator Assia AlDhabbi described the Mahis project as an example of the impact of cooperation. Since 2016, the German-funded EIIP has created over 25,000 short-term jobs in Jordan through €70 million in grant funding. The Mahis initiative, she noted, has not only generated income but also built skills, supported local infrastructure, and transformed the town into a vibrant environmental and tourism hub for the community.
Workers themselves expressed the personal value of the project. Jordanian participant Suaad Al Masri said the opportunity provided both income and skills training, giving her pride in helping to make her town greener and more welcoming. Syrian worker Mohammad Ismail Hajim shared that the job helped him regain independence and dignity, enabling him to support his family and gain new skills for future opportunities. Their testimonies highlight the human impact of an initiative that links employment with resilience, sustainability, and community development.
