Content created by Virtual Intern  Erinn Heffes

Hamzeh Abaza tirelessly works to assist refugees in crisis in Jordan, which is the second largest refugee hosting country per capita worldwide. In 2015, Abaza participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) “Engaging Youth Leaders in Strengthening Communities” project, allowing him to meet leaders from around the world and U.S. organizations working with youth and supporting entrepreneurship. His participation led him to assist local institutions and community-based organizations in enhancing refugee inclusion in their youth empowerment and entrepreneurship projects in Jordan.

A year after his IVLP, Abaza joined the International Cooperation Agency of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNGi) to voice his opinion on how Jordan should transition towards decentralization based on ideas he gained during his IVLP project. He was directly involved in facilitating community meetings with political leaders and managing awareness campaigns.

During his IVLP, Abaza visited the Bond Street Theatre and Downtown Community Television Center which positively impacted him and led him to gradually expand his film industry skills. Abaza was involved in various feature films and documentaries in 2019.

Hamzeh Abaza continues to play a critical role in responding to Jordan’s refugee crisis by building local government capacity, empowering youth, and creating work opportunities.

Edited by Virtual Interns Regina Navarro-Gomez and Kristin Mitra