The EmpowerME (مكني) program has successfully empowered over 86,000 young people across the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship in its first year of operation. The three-year, $6 million initiative, launched by The Starbucks Foundation and Alshaya Group, is on track to achieve its goal of supporting 250,000 youth by providing access to skills training and mentorship.
A Multi-Faceted Approach to Youth Development
The program’s success is driven by a comprehensive model that combines hands-on training, large-scale webinars, psychosocial support, and a dedicated youth ambassador network. The implementation is led by two key regional organizations: INJAZ Al-Arab (part of JA Worldwide) and Habitat Association. The initiative uniquely utilizes Starbucks cafes as community learning spaces, connecting youth with mentors and volunteers, including Starbucks partners, to translate learning into practical skills.
Regional Impact and Inclusive Reach
In its inaugural year, the program achieved significant and sustainable impact across nine markets.
- INJAZ Al-Arab reached over 41,700 youth in Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Its intensive programs had a strong focus on inclusion, with significant participation from young women, refugees, orphans, and vocational students.
- Habitat Association activated a network of youth ambassadors to reach over 44,500 young people in Turkey and Jordan. The organization also ran a regional entrepreneurship track that included bootcamps, a hackathon, and an international acceleration program that concluded with a pitch day in Istanbul.
Future Expansion Across The Region
Looking ahead, EmpowerME is set for further growth. INJAZ Al-Arab plans to expand the program’s reach to include Morocco, Bahrain, and Qatar, increasing its footprint from five to eight countries. Simultaneously, Habitat Association will broaden its ambassador network in Jordan and continue its specialized workshops. The partners are committed to deepening the program’s focus on inclusion, digital skills, and sustainability as they progress towards their goal of empowering a quarter of a million young people.
About The EmpowerME Program
EmpowerME is a $6 million, three-year partnership between The Starbucks Foundation and Alshaya Group, launched in 2024. Its mission is to empower 250,000 underprivileged youth across nine countries in the MENA region and Turkey by providing them with the necessary skills and opportunities to succeed in the workforce and as entrepreneurs. The program is implemented on the ground by INJAZ Al-Arab and Habitat Association.
Source: Zawya
