As part of a strategic initiative to enhance vocational education and training in the hospitality sector, the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts (RACA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and Swisscontact. This agreement marks the launch of a new project, undertaken by RACA in collaboration with Swisscontact, titled “Enabling Learning and Employment through Vocational Advancement and Technical Education (ELEVATE)”; seeking to empower youth in the hospitality sector by facilitating their transition into the workforce and fostering their active participation in social development.
The signing ceremony held at RACA was attended by prominent figures, including H.E. Dr. Wajih Owais, Chairman of RACA’s Board of Trustees; Mr. Antoine Karam, Swisscontact Country Director for Lebanon and Regional Coordinator for the Middle East; and Mr. Lars Buechler, Regional Policy Advisor at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
RACA and Swisscontact will play a pivotal role in this project, leveraging their extensive expertise in hands-on education to design and implement specialized training programs that meet the growing demands of the market. RACA will work closely with its industry partners to develop flexible curricula, train the trainer programs, and establish dual training models that combine theoretical learning with practical application to maximize the employability for trainees.
H.E. Dr. Wajih Owais expressed his pride in the collaboration, stating:
“We are delighted with this partnership, which reflects our national vision to enhance vocational and technical education across all professions, including hospitality. This sector is vital for supporting tourism and creating job opportunities for ambitious youth.”
Mr. Lars Buechler added:
” SDC is honoured to be part of the new ELEVATE programme with the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts (RACA) and Swisscontact, which is an important step towards strengthening the hospitality sector in Jordan by training young students to become professionals and supporting SMEs”.
A statement from Swisscontact emphasized the significance of the partnership:
” We are pleased to announce the launch of the first phase of this exciting project, in partnership with SDC in Jordan and RACA. Building on our earlier successful pilot project with RACA, we are proud to join forces again to deliver an initiative that will create opportunities for Jordan’s youth, in Amman and especially in areas outside Amman. By combining Swisscontact’s expertise in Labor Market Insertion, Vocational Training and Economic Development with RACA’s expertise in culinary and hospitality education, this project exemplifies the Swiss approach to excellence and precision. Together, we aim to improve skills and boost job opportunities in the hospitality and food sectors, while adapting curricula to meet market needs.”
It is worth mentioning that the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts is a Technical University College, established in 2008 following the vision of His Majesty, King Abdullah II, to raise the level of education in the Tourism and Hospitality Sector, and reorient young men and women toward education related to the technical market. RACA is a Certified Member of the Network of EHL-certified Schools and offers a Four-Year Bachelor’s Degree in Food & Beverage Management and a Two-Year Diploma in Culinary Arts.