Al Hussein Fund for Excellence (HFE) signed a strategic partnership agreement with Menalab to implement a project that aims to train and empower high school students.
The agreement which signed by the General Manager of HFE Dr. Ali Yaghi and the CEO of MenaLab Qusai Malahmeh offers students practical learning experiences that foster creativity and enhance their innovation and problem-solving skills using modern technologies and design methods.

"Al Hussein Fund’s Digital Lab" project aims to focus on design thinking and digital manufacturing which will be launched in the 2024-2025 academic year in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

This partnership follows a previous agreement between the Ministry of Education and Al Hussein Fund for Excellence to implement project activities within the King Abdullah II Schools for Excellence’s entrepreneurial and innovation incubators program. The agreement was signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Azmi Mahafzah, and the Chairman of the Fund's Board, Dr. Adel Al-Sharkas, Governor of the Central Bank of Jordan.

The project seeks to train students in intellectual design and problem-solving through 3D printing technology. In its first phase, students from the Ministry of Education’s directorates in the provinces of Amman, Karak, and Jerash will participate, hosted by the King Abdullah II Schools for Excellence in each region, alongside teachers from the ministry.

Under the agreement, HFE will cover the training costs, equipment, and necessary tools, including two 3D printers for each lab and the related materials for the training process.

Menalab, on its part, will train a group of students and teachers in digital design techniques and skills and the application of 3D printing technology in digital manufacturing. The goal is to instill and enhance problem-solving skills among school students (grades 9-11) by integrating design thinking and digital manufacturing using 3D printers.

In its first phase in the 2024-2025 academic year, and in full cooperation with the Ministry of Education, the project will select three King Abdullah II for Excellence Schools. A lab will be set up as part of the business incubators program to serve as a center for training students and teachers in digital design and manufacturing skills. Students in each area will be selected to undergo two months of training in these skills.

Dr. Ali Yaghi, Director General of Al Hussein Fund for Excellence, stated that the idea for this program came with the support and recommendation of the Fund’s Board of Directors. The program aims to target school students and develop their critical thinking skills, increasing their capabilities in design, development, and problem-solving.

He added that this program is a pilot, and its outcomes will be evaluated and developed in the future to include more schools across the Kingdom. Especially with the training of teachers in program implementation methods and the provision of 3D printers by the Fund, the expansion of the program will offer more students the opportunity to engage in distinguished learning experiences.

Dr. Yaghi emphasized the importance of cooperation with Minalab, as an expert in the field, in implementing this educational program, which will reach students across the Kingdom, reaffirming Al Hussein Fund’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for students. He noted that this program represents a significant step toward preparing students for regional and global markets.

Nadine Abu Tahaimer, co-founder of Menalab, stated, “We believe in the importance of empowering young talents across the Kingdom by providing them with the necessary skills and tools to succeed in a rapidly evolving world. This partnership with Al Hussein Fund perfectly aligns with Minalab's vision of supporting creativity and innovation through education.”

Menalab’s co-founder and CEO, Qusai Malahma, added, “This collaboration provides an opportunity to bridge the gap between traditional education and modern technologies, contributing to building a new generation of creators and innovators capable of realizing Jordan's future aspirations.”

This partnership reflects the shared commitment of HFE and Menalab to expanding educational opportunities, empowering youth, and promoting sustainable development through innovative and applied education.