The German Jordanian University (GJU) is currently implementing an online competition “Impact Leaders” using remote communication technology and engaging the coaches, participants, and organizers through different online platforms and video material.

GJU’s Program Innovation and Entrepreneurship (PIE), IBTECAR Consulting and Training, in addition to members of the Impact Week team from Germany are partnering with a number of Jordanian universities, schools and companies to organize the competition.

It includes online training of the participants in design thinking and remote competition tools aiming at finding solutions to the recent challenges that have arisen due to the outbreak of COVID-19 virus infection in Jordan.

The program targets university students, schools, teachers, faculty members and any innovative person who wants to create solutions related to education (alternative learning and new tools for teachers and students), as well as community challenges such as social isolation, self-reliant societies, entertainment, or caring for the elderly among others.

The program aims to spread the culture of innovation and leadership among young people. It is a continuation of the partnership between GJU and the German Impact Week team who organized the Impact Week competition in its first Middle East edition last year, where within 10 days Design Thinking training was carried out for junior coaches and over 130 students.

The first phase of the competition was launched on April 5 to identifying challenges facing the community and the educational sector. The most prominent challenges of alternative education were related to remote teaching tools used for teachers and students, the work-life balance with the family at home and distance teaching, the commitment of students and teachers to distance education in addition to a number of challenges facing the teaching and learning process.

In order to qualify the participants for the competition, the organizers implemented a remote introductory workshop to introduce the program and the role of design thinking in finding solutions to the defined challenges. 

Around 270 registered participants started the training for the competition, formed teams and are now applying concepts of Design Thinking to solve challenges.

A group of trainers and mentors from Jordan and abroad are holding a number of sessions and activities on a dedicated internet platform through distance education and training. These include awareness sessions on education challenges, secrets of innovation, 3D printing, big data, artificial intelligence and more to encourage the teams to be committed while working from home.

The competition program will be concluded on April 19, where the participating teams will present their ideas and projects to the jury in a 3 minutes video pitch. Prizes include cash money value 600 JD, incubation opportunities, and training discounts.

The competition is implemented in partnership with the Saxeed.JET entrepreneurship program funded by the DAAD, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Al-Balqa Applied University, Princess Sumaya University, Middle East University, the Jubilee School, the Bishop’s School, Ahliyya School, in addition to the Royal Health Awareness Society, the Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship, The Tank by Umniah, Pure Analytica, and Be Influential.

 

For more information, please contact: pie@gju.edu.jo

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Impact Leaders in the press:

Jordan Times

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