On February 4, seven Jordanian YES alumni facilitated the graduation ceremony for Inspire participants. Inspire is an Amideast program which is supported by the Regional English Language Office at the U.S. Embassy in Jordan. 120 Jordanian and Syrian youth in the Irbid area participated in training on English language, digital literacy, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and American cultural values, traditions, and customs.  

The graduation for the 68 Inspire participants was hosted at the Intercontinental Hotel Amman. At the event, Lana Talafha ‘18 MCed the event and Ann Barto ‘19 managed the student’s procession across the stage. The alumni hosted several rehearsals so the graduates could practice walking up to the stage to get their certificate. They also hosted trivia games with the Inspire students and talked about the YES program, how to apply, and their firsthand experiences in the U.S. 

The YES alumni also organized a “thank you board.” Each Inspire student wrote a message to the U.S. Embassy to thank them for the opportunity to participate in the program, which the alumni gifted to the Regional English Language Office after the event.  

Lana Talafha (YES 2017-2018, Jordan, placed by Ayusa in Indianapolis, IN) 

Ann Barto (YES 2018-2019, Jordan, placed by YFU-USA in Hummelstown, PA) 

Aya Abu Zaid (YES 2018-2019, Jordan, placed by PAX in Lacey, WA)