Sponsor's update from Irbid, Jordan

Child sponsorship update from the SOS Children's Village Irbid, 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 Ibid. 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 80 children, living in 12 family houses. Two little children joined the village this year, eight joined their biological families, and 15 children moved to live among the two SOS Youth Houses in Irbid that have a total of 21 youths.

Seventy nine children attend the primary school, seven children go to nursery school and last but not least, four 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.

Growing up at Irbid, Jordan

Throughout the past six months, SOS Children’s Villages in 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.

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.

Sixty children joined several summer clubs in the city. The summer club programs lasted from July to August. It included many exciting activities and programs such as fitness, handcrafting, music, caricature drawing, acting, public army and workshops on leadership skills. SOS children enjoyed the summer there and gained new skills too.

During the summer also, 26 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.

Events at Irbid, 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.

One of the local banking institutions sponsored the expenses of equipping the village computer Lab with new computers, desks and other accessories. This enabled a higher number of children to benefit from courses or applications running there. Beneficiary children are not only SOS children, but children from the outside community as well.

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,

Zakareya Momani
Village Director