The USAID-Funded Maharat Employment and Training Program Participates in Amman International Marathon

The USAID-Funded Maharat Employment and Training Program participated in Amman international Marathon activities taking place on 13th – 17th October 2009.

As part of this vision combining cultural heritage with modern-day living, the Greater Amman Municipality has come together with the Society for the Care of Neurological Patients in launching the first Amman International Marathon (AIM) on October 17, 2009. This world-class sporting event in the heart of Amman will coincide with the 100th year anniversary of the founding of the modern day Amman Municipality and will hopefully begin an annual tradition akin to other international marathons in the Middle East and beyond.

The route of the race starts at the steps of the Greater Amman Municipality and the finishing line will be at the old Gladiator Park next to the Roman Amphitheatre in downtown Amman. The categories of the running events are 42 K for professional runners, 10K for fun run / leisure runners to encourage public participation, and 4K for children.

Prior to the race, AIM organized a marathon village in King Hussein Parks from 13th – 16th October, where a booth was set up for Maharat program in which it students from the program distributed flyers, talked to booth visitors and explained to them everything about Maharat and its activities.

On the day of the race 17th October 2009, Maharat students participated in organizing the event by giving a helping hand to the organizers in controlling crowds, monitoring the marathon track and ushering the event. Also the students helped out in giving water bottles to runners, cheered for them throughout the race, explained to all inquirers about Maharat program. In addition Maharat students Maharat is one of the USAID-funded Business and Export Development Project for Jordanian Enterprises - Tatweer’s initiatives, managed by the Business Development Center - BDC. The internship program provides a world-class development opportunity for recent Jordanian university graduates with no previous work experience, to receive formal training from dedicated mentors/ practitioners and work with private sector client firms to gain valuable first-hand practice and experience. By enrolling in Maharat, interns discover the immense satisfaction of acquiring significant knowledge, experience and career development opportunities.