Karin from Fair Fabrics recently traveled to Jordan to go through a design thinking program with artisan entrepreneurs. The visit to Jordan leaves you wanting more! What a great country and fantastic and talented artisans.

Design Thinking in Jordan - Pottery from Manal from Amman, Jordan

Pottery from Manal from Amman, Jordan

Netherlands Embassy in Jordan

In collaboration with the Dutch embassy, Souq Fann/Leaders of Tomorrow organized a multi-day training Design Thinking in Jordan. With the help of the Design Thinking process, a step can be taken to enter the international market. Fair Fabrics founder Karin Kandt was therefore asked to design the program as an expert in this field. The entrepreneurs come from different provinces of Jordan. They are without exception very talented, each within their own craft. A good basis to continue working together to take the next step in quality design with the right ingredients.

Design Thinking in Jordan - The artisans are working on their 6 most important focus points.

The artisans are working on their 6 most important focus points.

Personal coaching

In addition to central sessions, in which beautiful examples of Dutch Design were used to inspire the artisans, there were also personal coaching sessions for all 30 participants. During the field visits, several workshops were visited in Jordan. In some cases, a concrete connection has already been made with potential Dutch enthusiastic customers. Fortunately, in addition to the full and intensive program, there was also enough time to get to know the country, its inhabitants and culture better. As far as possible in a week.

A pottery workshop in Wadi Musa

New pottery in the making.

We concluded the training with a 1-minute video pitch in which each entrepreneur introduced herself/herself to potential international clients. During the training we worked on 6 personal focus points to work with after the training.

Correctbook

We are very grateful to Social Enterprise NL colleague Correctbook because they ensured that all entrepreneurs received their own Correctbook as a gift. This was of course received with great enthusiasm by both the participants themselves and the children in the family ;-). Because not only the sustainable idea was appreciated. But the idea of giving where necessary, with a healthy business model behind it that inspired the participants, was also embraced.

The entrepreneurs in South Jordan with their Correctbook.

Even more happy entrepreneurs with their Correctbook (Amman)

Shiraka program Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The training was initiated by Leaders of Tomorrow and made possible by the Shiraka program of the Dutch Embassy in Jordan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The purpose of Shiraka in Jordan is, among other things, to support building economic growth and stimulating employment.

While visiting one of the workshops, Karin gets a demonstration from Lubna. Photo: Mohammad Sbeitan, Souq Fann

Project European Union

Leaders of Tomorrow aims to create a society of young, well-educated, critical and entrepreneurial leaders who are able to creatively serve their society. One of the successful projects is the e-commerce platform Souq Fann. This platform, financed by the European Union, offers assistance to artisanal entrepreneurs in the field of marketing and logistics. This allows them to grow their business and develop their skills. While customers around the world can also take a look at Jordan’s rich history and culture.

Karin is literally immersed in the Jordanian culture.

Design Thinking in Jordan - All entrepreneurs receive personal coaching from Karin in small groups. Photo: Mohammad Sbeitan, Souq Fann

All entrepreneurs receive personal coaching from Karin in small groups. Photo: Mohammad Sbeitan, Souq Fann

Design Thinking in Jordan - Photo: Mohammad Sbeitan, Souq Fann

Photo: Mohammad Sbeitan, Souq Fann