Passion, when nurtured with persistence, can transform lives and communities. These stories showcase young individuals who have taken bold steps to pursue their dreams, through entrepreneurship, technical training, or creative expression. Each journey reflects the power of self-belief and the impact of turning personal goals into professional success.
Turning passion into a profession
When his father died, Abdallah found purpose in a promise. He vowed to honour his family’s strength by opening his own restaurant by the time he was 30. He started working young, taking on any job that would teach him something new. With every task, he wasn’t just earning a wage; he was piecing together a future. In his mind’s eye, he could already see it: not a bustling business, but a cozy sanctuary, a place filled with the perfect warmth and light where people could gather and connect.
“I like to make food… When I go into the kitchen, I kick everyone else out—even my mom. I like to do it in my own way,” says Abdallah.
“I dream of having my own restaurant by the time I’m 30. By then, I will have worked for 20 years. I want my restaurant to be cozy—I know exactly how I want it to look.”
To get closer to his dream, Abdallah attends culinary, business, and soft skills training through the Najahna programme, so he is equipped to start his own business. “Apart from learning how to cook, we are also given important soft skills like how to write a good CV and improve our communication skills. I really benefit from it,” he explains.
“I like to make food… When I go into the kitchen, I kick everyone else out—even my mom. I like to do it in my own way.”
Abdallah
As part of the Najahna programme, Abdallah will is now working as an intern in a restaurant to gain experience and hopefully secure employment after the internship ends. While he waits to find out which restaurant he will be placed in, he is working shifts at restaurants and bakeries to gain as much experience as possible.
“I want the full experience—food, sweets, baking—so I have a better chance of getting work,” he says.
From old to new
Aya, a 26-years-old interior designer, discovered her passion through the COVID-19 pandemic; upcycling old furniture into new, sustainable, and stylish pieces. What started as a creative outlet soon evolved into a thriving business that benefits both the market and the environment.
Through the Najahna programme, she gained the skills to transform her passion into a sustainable business. Aya’s work blends modern design with traditional craftsmanship, making each piece unique.
“I am proud to have built a business that brings new life to old things and new opportunities to my community,” shares Aya.
Aya believes that you don’t always need new materials to create something beautiful. For her it’s all about creativity, sustainability, and determination.
“I am proud to have built a business that brings new life to old things and new opportunities to my community.”
Aya
A life changing job
Saja, from Mafraq governorate, knew the struggle of unemployment that faced so many in her community. Yet, where others saw barriers, she saw possibility. Refusing to give up, she began a unique journey of learning, passionately pursuing two seemingly unrelated fields: the earthy, hands-on science of hydroponic farming and the digital, strategic world of online marketing.
Under the Najahna programme, Saja immersed herself in hands-on training in hydroponic farming and digital marketing—a unique combination that sparked both her curiosity and confidence. The real turning point came on the final day, during a networking session, where she met the owner of a local agricultural nursery. Armed with her new skills and genuine enthusiasm, Saja left a lasting impression. Today, she is proudly employed full-time at the nursery, gaining not only financial independence, but also a renewed sense of purpose.
From intern to professional
“This journey was more than just a job; it was the foundation of my career.”
Wala
Wala’s journey began with a training placement in the maintenance department of a detergent manufacturing company as part of Najahna programme. She believed that this hands-on experience was the real education that prepared her for the labour market, she proved that through her dedication and ability to thrive.
Starting in the liquids department and later moving to the powder department, Wala expanded her technical skills and built confidence through real-world experience. Her growth was fueled by a supportive work environment that valued innovation and continuous learning.
“This journey was more than just a job; it was the foundation of my career,” explains Wala.
Ihab’s journey
Ihab’s journey started as an intern in a company, when he discovered a passion for learning and made a bold decision to retake his high school exams and pursue university studies in disaster and crisis management; all while working full-time.
“My story is still being written, and I won’t stop until I achieve my ambition.”
Ihab
Balancing studies and work was tough, especially after moving into a sales role he had no experience in. But Ihab stayed focused, learning new skills and adapting quickly.
His true passion was occupational safety and health. With support from mentor, he pursued field training, earned his certification, and took a major step toward his dream career.
“My story is still being written, and I won’t stop until I achieve my ambition.” Ihab.
Through Najahna’s on-the-job training, implemented by the Confederation of Danish Industry, Ihab was able to gain valuable field experience in Occupational Safety & Health. The program gave him both the technical expertise and professional exposure needed to transition from training to employment, setting him firmly on the path toward his career goals.
How Plan helped
Through the Najahna programme, young Syrians and Jordanians like Abdallah, Aya, Saja, and Wala have turned learning into opportunity and built pathways toward sustainable futures.
Abdallah gained hands-on culinary experience through on-the-job training, bringing him closer to his dream of owning a restaurant.
Aya expanded her business and created jobs in her community with the help of an entrepreneurship grant and business training.
Saja developed skills in hydroponic farming and digital marketing, which helped her secure her first job and broaden her career prospects.
Wala received practical industrial training that bridged the gap between education and employment, laying the foundation for her professional success.
The Najahna programme’s tailored support empowers youth with the skills, confidence, and resources to transform ambition into action and contribute to their communities with creativity and resilience.
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