Within this framework, the University is implementing a training programme targeting young people who are not in employment, education, or training (NEETs).

The project, led by An-Najah National University in partnership with institutions from Spain, Greece, Lebanon, Tunisia, and France, aims to support young people in the Mediterranean region by equipping them with skills that help them integrate into the labour market, develop their entrepreneurial ideas, and contribute to building a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

Training Linking Skills to Opportunities

In Palestine, the training programme includes practical learning pathways focusing on entrepreneurial skills, business planning, financial literacy, digital skills, and professional development. These areas help participants move beyond acquiring knowledge to applying it in real-life contexts, while gaining a better understanding of how to develop ideas and transform them into feasible initiatives or projects.

The programme goes beyond theoretical learning, forming part of the project’s broader vision of providing integrated pathways that combine training, mentoring, practical learning, and exposure to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. This approach aims to strengthen young people’s ability to take more effective steps towards their professional futures.

EmpoweerNEET is built around the concept of Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) as a space for strengthening young people’s economic and social participation and supporting initiatives that combine economic value creation with positive social impact.

From Training to Empowerment

The implementation of the training programme forms part of the project’s broader framework, which aims to train 300 young people from the NEET target group across the participating Mediterranean countries. The project also provides opportunities for practical learning, mentoring, exchange, and professional experience, while supporting a number of entrepreneurial initiatives through dedicated mentoring and development packages.

Through these activities, the project seeks to address several challenges facing young people, particularly skills gaps, limited access to training and employment opportunities, and the lack of effective pathways from education or unemployment towards meaningful economic participation.

An-Najah National University’s role as a key partner and Lead Partner of the project reflects the importance of Palestine’s contribution to Mediterranean cooperation and the exchange of experiences and practices that can help develop more inclusive solutions to support young people and strengthen their economic and social integration.

A Mediterranean Partnership to Support Young People

The EmpoweerNEET project runs for 30 months, from October 2025 to April 2028, bringing together six partners from six Mediterranean countries. The project works to develop specialised training programmes, enhance mentoring and practical learning opportunities, support youth entrepreneurship, and develop financial solutions and supportive frameworks to facilitate the integration of young people into local economies.

The project contributes to the objectives of the Interreg NEXT MED Programme by promoting cooperation across the Mediterranean and supporting inclusive social and economic development. Empowering young people and strengthening their capacities represent key pathways towards achieving sustainable impact in local communities.