JRF has transformed me into a Super Citizen

My work with JRF and in the complex enriched my experience and my university studies; it is truly the ultimate prize.

Like many, I was occupied with the details of my own daily life. I walked in the neighborhood on a daily basis, it was impossible to avoid the scattered garbage or twisting my ankle when walking over a hidden hole; yet I did nothing, we did nothing to change. It was always easier to blame the authorities. All of this changed once we enrolled in the JRF’s program which taught us the spirit in working as a team. 

I want to be popular like other girls in my class”, she complains “why is this happening to me?

I felt so good after that call” said the counselor who spoke to Suha and her mother,  “it is live proof that doing what we do can have a real impact on someone’s life. Suha is not alone in her struggle anymore, we made that happen

Through JRF's training programs, Madeline and I are able to identify cases of abuse in school, assist girls through creative and indirect methodologies such as writing and drawing and cooperate with the Family Protection Department in Aqaba when needed.

My experience with JRF changed me, I realize now that the prize is bigger than money; it is great friends and the feeling of pride every time I pass by a school or a street that we helped to change.

I come from an area of small farmers who can barely sell their produce to the local market and with the suppressed prices during the high season, the farmers are content if they just break-even… a cold storage and a food processing unit was a dream for us but we never thought that it can become reality. 

When Her Majesty’s visited us to share our experience, her words motivated us; I will never forget it when she said we rephrased the meaning of the word “Citizen” through our work.

I lived my childhood in KSA, I had no idea what the word “volunteer” meant until I became one.

Both skills and experience that I acquired from the center made me feel that I have a message to share with other women; my work as an educator is just a small token to show my gratitude.

I would have never imagined meeting Her Majesty one day, but when she visited Wadi Araba, I realized that we have achieved something to be proud of. 

I am so grateful for your help, I have talked to my mother about what I am experiencing and she has been very supportive since

I never thought that this experience will change me into a complete different person.

I liked to practice what I learned at home, and I had no idea that my brothers and sisters were learning too.

The training I received on Basic life Skills, Leadership Skills and volunteering have enriched my teen years and developed my personality.

Working with JRF, I discovered there are no limits to ambition. Working with youth, inspired me even more to develop myself personally so I enrolled in University; something I never thought was possible.

The smile we draw on the innocent faces of these young girls is the source of our strong-will and determination to continue and expand the work we have started", thank you JRF.

We are in a much better place; our voices are heard by authorities after a long time of silence, we know how to deal with challenges and transform them into opportunities.     

I had no idea Suha was going through such a hard time. I could see there was something wrong, but I didn’t know what to do about it. Thank you for helping us

My parents, who opposed the idea at the beginning, recognize the new me and encouraged my twin brother to join.

I was empowered by Jordan River Foundation’s training and worked hard to change, leading my father to change too” 

We are proud to declare that the Safe Room has assisted more than 60 girls since 2009 and was successful in returning ten dropouts to school again," "corporal punishment have dropped down significantly, and parents are showing more collaboration with our project.

My life has changed completely.

I knew that this project can change my life... I met many people and have more self-confidence.

Inside us is a new feeling that we haven’t experienced before, the feeling of true citizenship and responsibility towards ourselves and our community”                            

I was shy and had few friends; today I am blessed with many friends within my community.

“My father encourages me to continue my education after he witnessed my success; I am a changed woman. Today I am a real member in the family; participate in decision making equal to my brothers and full of belief that in order to make a change, you should change from within yourself first.

The desert of Wadi Araba became a green paradise producing only the best, and our community divided one day, is now working together under Qaa Al-Se’diyeen Association.

In University, am not Abu Sakher or the head of an association, am just a regular student and my daughter’s colleague.

My dream is to start my own business one day soon.

I continuously talk to my peers and encourage them to enroll in the centers various programs and activities. At school, I stood out in my class as I became more confident and empowered; now I want my younger brothers to join the center so they get the same opportunity I did.

The beacon that guides the residents towards one goal for the benefit of all.

It was a daunting path towards an old and dark storage room, we never imagined that this same space could become a bright, safe and attractive room, it has actually become our favorite spot in the school.

I felt like a prisoner, today I accept my daughter’s illness, I know how to deal with her, before I used to deal with her illness instead.”

We were determined to find the space in our compounded school building, and with humble resources we agreed to renovate the old storage.

I would have had no future if it wasn’t for the program and the support of the Jordan River Foundation. 

I feel empowered as I became one of two decision makers in my house. I now help my husband around the house, I learned how to drive and bought my first car after three years of work. My husband and I bought a land and a house and we are saving for the education of our three children.

The Safe Room is a haven for distressed girls whom we have longed to assist for the past years," "in this space, students can speak freely and confidentially about their deepest pains and fears, seek guidance, and receive support.