Jordan is home to the lowest point of elevation on Earth, the oldest dam and over 100,000 archeological sites. One of the Seven Wonders of the World is also located in Jordan; Petra was established as the capital of the formerly nomadic Nabataean Arabs. Known as a significant and strategic location connecting Africa, Europe and Asia, Jordan has a fascinating mix of culture and history.
Considering its strategic location, the 10.3 million populated country is considered the 6th biggest refugee hosting country in the world. Jordan is estimated to host 672,000 Syrian refugees who sought asylum due to the ongoing civil war.
This influx of refugees has increased the competition in the labor market, causing a decrease in wages and an increase in poverty. Drastic living conditions and lack of income generation has led to an increase in negative coping strategies including child labor, early marriages, and reduced food intake.
As a result of the refugee crisis, resources are stretched to a breaking point. Little or no access to water, electricity, and a safe home increases the risk of disease and injury, jeopardizing people’s health, safety and lives.
For people across Jordan, life is incredibly challenging:
Islamic Relief started its work in Jordan in 1997, supporting both the refugee population and local host communities. Here are some of the key areas in which we work:
Education and Shelter Support for Syrian Refugees and Host communities in Jordan Islamic Relief works to ensure all children have access to quality education through providing remedial classes, increasing access to psychosocial programming, and empowering women to generate sustainable income through business training sessions.
Seasonal Projects Alongside long term development projects, we also provide seasonal support through our Qurbani, Ramadan, and winterization projects. Beyond food aid in the winter season, Islamic Relief Canada also provides essential items such as fuel, blankets and cash.
Protection, Shelter, and Education Services for Refugees and Host Communities in Jordan Our current projects provide education and shelter support to Syrian refugees and host communities, and livelihood support to women headed households and other vulnerable families. This also includes the provision of informal education to children, awareness sessions on gender-based violence to women and cash-based rent support to these families to prevent negative coping strategies.
Environmentally-friendly Heating and Water Systems in Refugee Camps In Jerash and Irbid Palestinian Refugee Camps, our project provides access to environmentally-friendly heating and water systems to ensure sustainable and clean access to water. We are installing solar water heating systems and water-saving devices for vulnerable Palestinian refugee and Jordanian households. This helps ease the burden of utility costs, allowing funds to be spent on other essential needs.
Our seasonal, year-round orphan sponsorship programs, and long-term development projects allow Islamic Relief Canada to work with community leaders to improve the livelihoods of refugees, host communities and other vulnerable groups in Jordan.
Follow your donation and see your impact over the past year in Jordan.