Child sponsorship update from Amman, Jordan

Update for child sponsors from the SOS Children's Village Amman, Jordan from December 2008

As we head towards the end of this year, I would like to put together for you a summary on the major events that took place in SOS Children’s Village Amman. I would also like to thank you for contributing to fulfilling the dreams of SOS children with your never-ending support.

The village is currently a home for 95 children, living in 12 family houses. This year, one child joined his biological family, and three children moved to live among the three SOS Youth Houses in Amman that have a total of 27 youths.

All the children at the village were transferred to private schools this year, as most of which were enrolled in public schools before. Seventy-four children attend the primary school, four children are enrolled in a centre for children with special needs, fifteen children go to SOS Nursery School and last but not least, two little children are still looked after by their SOS mothers.

This year, the children achieved remarkable school grades as a result of their mothers’ continual efforts, and the quality assistance they got from volunteers. The parents’ meetings at school were helpful for mothers to adapt effective home-teaching approaches to better serve the children and overcome their weaknesses.

SOS Nursery School is part of SOS Children’s Village Amman. It currently has 120 students including the 15 SOS children of ages ranging between three and six years. Last July, the SOS Nursery School held its twenty-second graduation ceremony; the ceremony consisted of singing, dancing and acting performances put up by the children. At the end of the ceremony each child got an appreciation note, an evaluation certificate, a motivational gift and, of course, a photo to always remember this happy event. A couple of days later, it was time for the summer camp which included a series of entertaining and educational activities. It also served 92 children from the local community. The SOS Nursery School is located within the village borders as it mainly serves SOS children and helps integrating them with the local community to gain valuable social skills at an early age.

Achievements and events at Amman

Throughout the past six months, SOS Children Jordan celebrated many happy achievements and occasions; 21-years old Maram, obtained her Diploma in Child Development; 22-years old Khadijeh, obtained her Diploma in Information Technology; and Zohour, almost 20 years old, met all the requirements to get her Diploma in Airport Management. Right at the beginning of their educational journeys, Masar and Tania successfully excelled in the general secondary examination, which is the final stage at school in Jordan. Last but not least, Rae’dah and Bayda’, got married and were both blessed with two beautiful little girls.

Seventy children of ages six to fourteen joined the summer club of Queen Rania’s Park. It lasted from June 21st to August 7th. The summer club included many exciting activities and programs such as fitness, handcrafting, music, caricature drawing, acting and workshops on leadership skills. SOS children enjoyed the summer there and gained new skills too.

During the summer also, 12 children underwent a program, given by SOS co-workers in co-operation with local entities, to prepare them for the new life style they will encounter upon moving to SOS youth houses once they reach a certain age. It also gave the children hints on how to deal with certain situations especially when they graduate from youth houses to lead their own independent lives. The children knew their rights and responsibilities towards themselves and the society. In addition, they were trained to depend on themselves and help others. This program included field visits to SOS youth houses in order to make the picture clearer and more realistic to the children.

Growing up in Amman, Jordan

The children welcomed the holy month of Ramadan in high spirits in September; it is the month of fasting, when adults and adolescents go without eating or drinking from dawn until dusk. All families take their first meal after sunset at the same time. The dining tables that they gather around should contain soups, Juices, salads in addition to the main dish. Not to forget mentioning Ramadan’s famous dessert, Qatayef, which is a sweet dough stuffed with cheese, cream or nuts, then fried and served with a sugary syrup. During this month, SOS children learn how to be patient and to feel with those who do not have enough food. They also learned that strong social bonds help overcoming community crises within a society.

Twelve youths, who live in SOS Youth Houses, volunteered at a local community charity called Tkiyet Um Ali at the beginning of this winter, which is an organisation that aims to alleviate hunger in Jordan through food packages and other programs. The youths contributed in packing and wrapping food packages last September. They learned to feel with the needy and they enjoyed the teamwork spirit.

15 year-old girl Jihan, participated in a workshop on how to write short stories last February. A Swedish writer conducted this workshop at the Royal Film Commission of Jordan. In order for Jihan to pass this workshop, she had to write a short story; she described her special relationship with her SOS mother, and the way she lives in the village. The story acquired everybody’s admiration. As a result, the judges decided to convert the story to a short film last October.

Overall, the village enjoys a lovely atmosphere filled with love and serenity. However, there are dynamic powers behind the scenes, which work shoulder to shoulder to provide SOS children with a place to call home!

At the end of this report, I thank you again for saving the lives of the little. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Yours sincerely,

Hussam Abu Jo’ab
Village Director