On 2-3 May 2018, the Global Shapers Amman Hub participated in "Startup Zaatari", an event initiated by UNICEF Jordan. The inaugural community festival celebrated the enterprising young people and innovative spirit of Zaatari Refugee Camp.

During two days, members of the Global Shapers Amman Hub facilitated an entrepreneurship workshop for young Syrians (18-24 years). They guided the 20 participants to move from community challenge to social venture idea within less than two days.

On the second day, the participants pitched their venture ideas to a jury. The winning team convinced the jury and audience with a touching performance about early child marriage. Other venture ideas addressed quality of education in the camps, school drop outs, and the mobility of people with disabilities.

"The commitment of the youth was amazing. They kept working really hard over the two days", said Nour AlAjlouni, one of Global Shapers who facilitated the workshop.

As a reward for the extraordinary efforts, the jury decided to accept all participants into the newly launched UNICEFxONE program - a professional training opportunity for aspiring social innovators.

On 15th May, the workshop participants had the opportunity to travel to the Fab Lab Irbid. They were shown the equipment and facilities they will be able to use as part of the UNICEFxONE program, and were briefed about support services for aspiring entrepreneurs.

For the Global Shapers, the event was an excellent opportunity to contribute with their skills and expertise towards a positive future of Zaatari Camp, while learning greatly from the youth's ideas, stories and perseverance.