Words by Joe Baaklini, IFRC Communications Officer
When Faten fled war-torn Syria in 2012, she found herself a refugee in a makeshift camp in the town of Al-Lubban, Jordan. She lived in a tent with her husband - the sole provider for the family - and her children.
The family’s situation went from bad to worse when Faten’s husband got sick and could no longer provide for the family. That is when Faten realized she had to act fast to support her spouse and children.
Thanks to her friends, Faten learned about a series of vocational trainings that were being organized by the Jordan Red Crescent (JNRCS). She saw a career opportunity in those trainings, and she took it.
“I had never worked before, so I had to learn new skills,” says Faten, who has been taking these workshops, and working, since 2013.
“I participated in sewing and crochet workshops, and they were extremely beneficial. Thanks to these trainings, I am now earning enough money to support my husband and children. However, it’s not just about the money, but the feeling of being capable and empowered.”
Some of the arts, crafts and trinkets put together by the women who took part in the Jordan Red Crescent’s vocational trainings.
Photo: Monther AlHumaidi / Jordan Red Crescent
A lifeline to livelihoods and dignity
The Jordan Red Crescent’s workshops offer a lifeline to refugees in Al-Lubban camp, equipping them with valuable skills in cooking, baking, soap-making, sewing, and crochet.
By learning new crafts or rediscovering forgotten talents, refugees gain the confidence and ability to generate income. This not only provides for their basic needs but also restores a sense of dignity and purpose.
“Most of the refugees who take these trainings want to improve their lives,” says Nawal Sadeq, a vocational trainer for the Jordan Red Crescent, who took similar workshops years ago and eventually started her own business.
“They want a source of income, and they want a better future. Thanks to our trainings, these women are starting their own businesses and/or finding job opportunities that allow them to sustain.”
The Jordan Red Crescent’s program goes beyond just workshops, however. “I took a baking course and it was a massive success for me, but the Red Crescent’s support didn’t end there, as they offered me an oven, thus helping me start my own cooking business,” says Fatima, also a Syrian refugee in Al-Lubban. “I am so grateful and I’m so proud of myself. I pay rent and provide for my two daughters now.”
A woman and her child receive medical assistance from a Jordan Red Crescent mobile health clinic in Al-Lubban camp
Photo: Monther AlHumaidi / Jordan Red Crescent
A healthy new start
The Jordan Red Crescent also includes health interventions are also part of its support program. The National Society organizes periodic health visits all year round, therefore ensuring the refugees’ physical and mental well-being.
“As part of our efforts to protect vulnerable populations and their dignity, we organize health visits to makeshift camps, such as the Al-Lubban camp, where we regularly set up mobile health clinics that provide treatment and medication to the refugees,” says Mahmoud Al-Eswid, Relief Distribution Officer at the Jordan Red Crescent.
According to Mahmoud, what’s as important as regular health check-ups is education and learning opportunities. He adds:
"Education is the most important of all and that’s what we’re trying to focus on with the refugees here in Al-Lubban camp; teaching them to read and write, training them in new skills, it’s all very crucial for their integration in their new community. It empowers them to build a brighter future, both for themselves and the community.”