Child sponsorship update from Aqaba, Jordan

Update for child sponsors from the SOS Children's Village Aqaba, Jordan from Winter 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 Aqaba. 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 43 children, living in 8 family houses. Three little children joined the village this year, one children joined his biological family and two children moved to live among the two SOS Youth Houses in Aqaba that have a total of 25 youths.

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. Twenty one children attend the primary school, eight children are enrolled in supporting lessons given by a specialist for children with special challenges, thirteen children go to SOS kindergarten and last but not least, eight little children are still looked after by their SOS mothers.

SOS kindergarten (KG) is part of SOS Children’s Village Aqaba. It currently has 155 students including the 13 SOS children. Last July, the KG held its sixteenth graduation ceremony; it 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. The KG 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. The KG recently opened its doors for a little girl from the local community, who has Autism, due to the lack of special care centers in the city; the girl attended the KG with a private specialist, who ensured that the girl received the necessary education. Since the girl joined the kindergarten, she and her family became very happy; she will have the chance to build an identity, to get some education and to enjoy her childhood with other children.

Celebrating events in Aqaba, Jordan

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.

Twenty children of ages six to fourteen joined the summer club of Prince Rashed Club. It lasted from June 5th to August 8th. 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, 4 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.

Children growing up in Aqaba, 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.

Children have the right to receive good education. That was the direction of one of the local banking institutions in Jordan; this generous entity covered all the educational expenses of SOS children in Aqaba village for the year 2008. This noble donation enabled 72 children to have a brighter future.

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,

Fayez Hyari
Village Director