Skillforce-Ready 2.0 is a 9-week, fully virtual workforce development program for 35 displaced Sudanese professionals, men and women aged 25 to 45, including teachers, engineers, healthcare workers, and public servants with intermediate to advanced English (CEFR B1 to C1). Participants live in Sudan and in neighboring countries such as Egypt, Uganda, and Saudi Arabia. Through live online instruction, job-readiness workshops, and one-on-one mentoring with U.S. professionals, participants will rebuild professional confidence, strengthen their Commercial English, apply U.S. business standards in a capstone project, and practice interviews with U.S. recruiters.
Thousands of young Sudanese professionals were building promising careers before the war disrupted their lives. Many have found themselves displaced in Egypt, facing the challenge of starting over in a new environment with limited resources and opportunities.
To address this urgent need, the American Center Khartoum, with funding from the U.S. government, has launched Skillforce-Ready — a transformative workforce re-engagement and upskilling program designed specifically for war-affected Sudanese youth in Cairo.
Key outcomes from this program:
- Rebuild professional confidence and identify your core strengths
- Clarify your career goals and build a strategic career roadmap
- Strengthen your Commercial English for the workplace
- Apply U.S. business standards and workplace practices in a capstone project
- Practice AI-based and live mock interviews with U.S. recruiters
- Receive individual written feedback and one-on-one mentoring from U.S. professionals
Program objectives:
- 1. Workforce ResilienceAt least 80% of participants complete Workforce Resilience workshops focused on rebuilding professional confidence, identifying core strengths, clarifying career goals, and developing a strategic career roadmap.
- 2. Commercial English & Career TracksAt least 80% of participants strengthen their Commercial English and complete specialized training and a capstone project in Entrepreneurship, Communication, or Public Service.
- 3. Interview ReadinessAt least 80% of participants complete AI-based interview practice and at least one live mock interview with a U.S. recruiter or HR professional, receiving individual written feedback.
Choose your career track:
Each participant completes a capstone project built around a real workplace or community need.
- Entrepreneurship
- The business model canvas and pitching.
- Communication
- Organizational writing and presenting data.
- Public Service
- Project management, transparency, and stakeholder communication.
What Is the Skillforce-Ready Program?
Skillforce-Ready is a competitive, no-cost workforce development initiative aimed at helping displaced Sudanese professionals regain career momentum and reconnect with the job market. The program focuses on rebuilding confidence, upgrading essential soft and technical skills, and improving employability in today’s evolving world of work.
This initiative was created by a U.S. Exchange alumna and is fully funded to ensure accessibility for eligible participants.
Who can apply
Displaced Sudanese professionals aged 25 to 45 — teachers, engineers, healthcare workers, and public servants — with intermediate to advanced English (CEFR B1 to C1), living in Sudan or neighboring countries such as Egypt, Uganda, and Saudi Arabia.
Selection uses an online application, experience-based screening, and an English placement assessment, with priority for professionals directly affected by displacement.
Built for people on the move
- All live sessions are recorded
- Low-bandwidth, WhatsApp-friendly materials
- Mobile data support conditional on attendance
- Three one-on-one sessions with a U.S. mentor
- AI interview practice between sessions
- A certificate for participants who meet attendance and capstone requirements
Why This Program Matters Now
War has interrupted countless professional journeys — from doctors and accountants to engineers, IT specialists, sales experts, and project managers. Many once had established careers, recognition, and growth paths.
Skillforce-Ready is designed to help displaced Sudanese:
- Restart their careers
- Rebuild their networks
- Gain in-demand skills
- Increase job market access
- Regain confidence and direction
It is more than training — it is a lifeline for career resurgence.
Program Schedule
All times are GMT+2.
Get-Ready Workshop
Nov 8 – Nov 12, 2026 · 12:00 – 2:00 pm · Virtual
Workforce Resilience workshop — leadership training
- Day 1 · Nov 8, 2026Self-Awareness and Personal Core Values
- Day 2 · Nov 9, 2026Strengths Awareness and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
- Day 3 · Nov 10, 2026Responsible Decision-Making & Teamwork
- Day 4 · Nov 11, 2026Relationship & Social Awareness Skills
- Day 5 · Nov 12, 2026Professional Branding and Career Strategy
| Milestone | Focus | Input Session | Week Project |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milestone 1Nov 15 – Nov 19 | Identify Your Strengths. Unlock Your Employability | Your Employability StoryNov 16, 2026 | 5-minute presentation |
| Milestone 2Nov 22 – Nov 26 | Demonstrate Your Transferable Skills | Presentation skillsNov 23, 2026 | 3-minute presentation |
| Milestone 3Nov 29 – Dec 3 | Overcome Professional Barriers | Debunking MythsNov 30, 2026 | Job interview mock-up |
| Milestone 4Dec 6 – Dec 10 | Articulate Your Strengths with Impact | Resume writingDec 7, 2026 | 2-minute presentation |
| Milestone 5Dec 13 – Dec 17 | Brand Yourself | Job-interview techniquesDec 14, 2026 | Job-interview mock-up |
| Milestone 6Dec 20 – Dec 24 | Launch Your Digital Self | To be announcedDec 21, 2026 | 1-minute presentation |
| Milestone 7Dec 27 – Dec 31 | Network & Apply to Jobs | Job interview rehearsals | — |
| Milestone 8Jan 3 – Jan 7 | Get in Charge of Your Career | Job Interview FinaleJan 6 – Jan 8, 2027 | — |
| Closing | Closing Ceremony | Jan 11, 2027 | Virtual |
U.S. Federal Government Funded Project
Skillforce Ready serves as a call to action, empowering aspiring Sudanese youth displaced in Egypt to pursue economic prosperity amidst the challenges of displacement. By shifting these talented workers’ learning mindsets, refining their Business English skills, and fostering application of the improved language skills in a practical, workplace-oriented context, Skillforce Ready facilitates a shift towards employment and empowerment.
Project Monitoring and Evaluation: U.S. Sudan Office of Affairs (Cairo Team)
Project Management: U.S. Exchange Alumna: Architect, Educator, and Career Coach Maria Sulaiman (founder of Mariasoft-Skills)
Educational Leadership: U.S. Exchange Alumna: Educational consultant Eman Darwish; Educational Consultant at Nehdat Misr.
Project Financial Management: Mayadah Elsanousi, Project Finance Accountant Ericsson
Project Outreach Specialist: Samah Samson. Business Development Manager.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Skillforce-Ready 2.0 for?
Displaced Sudanese professionals, men and women aged 25 to 45 — including teachers, engineers, healthcare workers, and public servants — living in Sudan or neighboring countries such as Egypt, Uganda, and Saudi Arabia.
What English level do I need?
Intermediate to advanced English (CEFR B1 to C1).
How are participants selected?
Through an open application, experience-based screening, and an English placement assessment. Priority is given to professionals directly affected by displacement who have demonstrated experience in their fields.
Is the program online or in person?
The program is completely virtual. All sessions are held online, so you can join from wherever you are.
What if my internet connection is unreliable?
All live sessions are recorded, materials are shared in low-bandwidth, WhatsApp-friendly formats, and participants receive mobile data support conditional on attendance.
What if my internet connection is unreliable?
All live sessions are recorded, materials are shared in low-bandwidth, WhatsApp-friendly formats, and participants receive mobile data support conditional on attendance.
What happens after the program?
Graduates join the Skillforce alumni network on WhatsApp and LinkedIn, and top performers will be invited to mentor future cohorts.
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