Based on the existence of master craftsmen practitioners of traditional crafts in Jordan, and Syria, this creates an opportunity to house these crafts in academic programs in these countries which has a market that demand for such crafts. By that we aim at:- Preserve the traditional craft experience and knowledge from being lost.- Transfer the vast craft experience and knowledge into academic vocational courses in higher education. - Develop the managerial and marketing skills of master craftsmen through courses that addresses the market needs - Assist the transfer of experience of current master craftsmen vocational skills via training courses to partner countries in which it will help in creation of common adapted model of vocational skills training courses- Enriching vocational skills and training experience with EU teaching vocational skills training experience- Establishing connections between the academic education and the society-Establishing heritage craft centres will be established during the project lifetime. and sustain it via links to the craft market in the region. - EU partners will help in training, design and marketing strategies of craft heritage projects which is essential to transfer this knowledge and experience to ME.- Encouraging an appreciation of the universal values that are fundamental to the world’s great artistic traditions. - The regeneration of the arts and crafts on an international level through both research and projects. - An extensive network of relationships with Master practitioners of the world’s great artistic traditions which mutually benefit the students and the craftsmen in their working environments.
Merging JO and SY crafts with academia, driven by market interests, while preserving crafts in HEIs. Enhancing craftsmen's business skills and sharing vocational skills globally for a unified model. Utilizing EU expertise for academia-society links. Establishing 2 National centers in JO and SY. Networking between academia, staff, students, and craft society. Establishing an Advisory Board, offering courses to boost business/marketing skills, Capacity Building to connect crafts and academia.
The HANDS project is a 4-year project which enhances Middle Eastern traditional crafts by merging vocational training with academic studies, such as architectural design, interior design, applied arts and heritage preservation. Guided by master craftsmen and academia from Jordan and Syria, it aims to align craft education with market needs, blending theory with practice. The project focuses on developing skills in design, Training, and marketing to meet local and regional market Job demands.
<< Background >> The HANDS project is a 4-year project which enhances Middle Eastern traditional crafts by merging vocational training with academic studies, such as architectural design, interior design, applied arts and heritage preservation. Guided by master craftsmen and academia from Jordan and Syria, it aims to align craft education with market needs, blending theory with practice. The project focuses on developing skills in design, Training, and marketing to meet local and regional market Job demands. << Objectives >> Merging JO and SY crafts with academia, driven by market interests, while preserving crafts in HEIs. Enhancing craftsmen's business skills and sharing vocational skills globally for a unified model. Utilizing EU expertise for academia-society links. Establishing 2 National centers in JO and SY. Networking between academia, staff, students, and craft society. Establishing an Advisory Board, offering courses to boost business/marketing skills, Capacity Building to connect crafts and academia. << Implementation >> Conduct a baseline study on traditional craft skills among staff, students, and stakeholders. Develop 7 modules including: 15 updated, 9 new, and 5 vocational courses (515 ECTS). Host 4 EU and 47 online/physical training workshops for staff and students. Establish 2 main centers and equip 5 other centers, ensuring project quality through continuous monitoring. Engage 102 stakeholders in courses and workshops. Launch a website and social media tools: Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn. << Results >> Establishing 8-member Advisory Board.Creating 102 database members. Need assessments for craftsmen and students.Establishing 2 national and 5 equipped centers.Updating 4 programs in Applied Arts, Interior Design, Architecture, and Fashion Design. Offering 7 modules with 515 ECTS. Conducting 51 training workshops. Quality control with an external evaluatorImplementing dissemination and sustainability plan.Website, Facebook, U-tube, Linkedin.9 e-newsletters16 steering committee meetings