The “Steps” project, led by Jabal An-Nar Club, provided short-term employment and internship opportunities for youth in Nablus Governorate as a direct response to the area’s ongoing political and economic challenges. Implemented in partnership with civil society organizations and private sector companies, and supported by the “Responding to Local Priorities” initiative in Jenin, Nablus, and Tulkarm, the project was carried out by MSI, a Tetra Tech company, with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). It ran from April to September 2024.
Steps focused on enhancing the employability of youth aged 18 to 29 by offering practical work experiences designed to build both their professional and personal skills. A total of 160 young men and women participated, with 100 placed in internships across 45 local civil society organizations. Their roles included psychosocial support activities, community-based training sessions, and the design and implementation of youth-led initiatives that benefited their surrounding communities.
The project also facilitated 60 temporary job placements in 30 private sector companies, with a particular focus on small businesses that had been severely affected by the economic downturn—such as restaurants, dessert shops, retail stores, and IT firms. These placements aimed to revitalize local businesses while offering youth meaningful work experiences.
In addition to individual placements, Steps supported 20 community initiatives that reached over 920 vulnerable individuals. These initiatives focused on psychosocial support and community engagement through public space beautification, including cleaning, painting, and minor maintenance.
Throughout the project, a strong emphasis was placed on personal growth and skill-building to prepare youth for long-term employment. Many participants were able to transition into permanent roles with civil society organizations or private sector partners following the end of the project period.
