By Family Flavours
When women join jorces for a common cause, they can accomplish great things. The Friends of Jordan Society (FOJ) has proven this time and time again as it supports families across the Kingdom.
Treating those in need
Through fundraisers and bazaars, the society has donated over JD35,000 for the treatment of children with cancer, building a heating system to keep elderly in Rusaifeh warm, providing wheelchairs for orphans and much more.
When it all began
FOJ was established two decades ago as a welfare society by a group of women who wished to make a difference in the lives of families in Jordan. The society aims to improve the education, health and living conditions of the underprivileged with a focus on the Jordan Valley.
Enabling young learners
In 2002, FOJ established the Fefa Kindergarten in the Jordan Valley providing free eduction for 50 kindgergarten children annually. For this, the society joined forces with the Arab Potash Company, the Public Security Directorate and the Jordan Valley Authority. FOJ provides kindergarteners with uniforms, shoes, school supplies and gifts. “It also pays the salaries of the kindergarten employees,“ stresses FOJ President, Randa Saifi.
In 2013, kindergarten facilities were renovated and later the society installed a solar energy system to provide electricity for the learning centre and adjacent facilities. This was done in cooperation with Edama and the Arab Potash Company. Three years ago, King Abdullah and Queen Rania visited Fefa Kindergarten, and through a Royal grant, a multi-purpose room and a public park were built, to be administered by the society.
Providing homes for the underprivileged
FOJ also teamed up with Habitat for Humanity for the construction of homes in the Jordan Valley with the support of volunteers from local and international schools. A library was established in the same area and backpacks and school supplies were donated to local elementary students.
Raising funds
FOJ also fundraises and assists local designers and artists by promoting their work through an annual bazaar which will be held this year on 10 December. ”Revenue goes towards the society’s projects in Fefa and its scholarship programme to fund students,” explains Saifi.
The future
Looking to the future, “the society will continue to maintain and improve the Fefa Kindergarten and explore other development opportunities in the area and across the Kingdom,“ notes Saifi.
FOJ developes local capacities and skills in cooperation with local and international partners. Himmeh w Lammeh, Basmat Shababieh Ghor Fefa and the “I Can” programme, are such examples.
FOJ projects across Jordan include:
The establishment of chicken farms in Mafraq and the donation of an ambulance
Organising Christmas and Ramadan food parcel distributions to needy families
The training of women in starting up their own businessess
Funding the education of needy university students
For more information contact: fojsociety.org
[email protected]
