Journeying from fear to family empowerment
After almost ten years since Azraq camp was planted in the heart of Zarqa, 41,000 Syrian refugees call it "home". However, the substantial refugee population brings forth significant challenges and responsibilities, including the provision of shelter, health services, nutrition, education, livelihood, and WASH (Water, Sanitization, and Hygiene).
In Azraq camp, a noteworthy percentage of refugees still rely on shared latrines, amplifying the risk of disease transmission and raising concerns regarding privacy and safety.
Ali*'s family knows the struggle way too well.
For Ali and his family, coming to Jordan after war escalated in Syria, consisted of a long exhausting desert journey, "The journey was tough but all we ever wanted was safety, people don't willingly abandon their home, family, country, and all they've ever known unless they had to; leaving wasn't even a choice," says Ali.
And although reaching Azraq camp provided a semblance of safety, the suffering still continued for the family of nice, "Although we had immense relief, we couldn't secure jobs and had terminally ill family members. Our living conditions couldn't be more difficult and with aid cuts, we felt helpless," continues Ali.
"This project brought us hope we thought we lost," says Jamila*, Ali's wife
People in the community told the family about World Vision Syria Response's Austrian Development Agency (ADA) funded latrine installation project. Thrilled by the prospect, they eagerly applied, anticipating the relief of a burden that had weighed on their shoulders for too long, "I used to accompany my children to the public latrine especially during the night which is filled with stray dogs and strangers lurking around in the streets, it was both exhausting and time consuming. Thanks to World Vision, now this burden is lifted," shares Jamila.
But this was not the only wound the project healed, "Now I'm not worried about my family contracting diseases or having their privacy violated," says Jamila. "We finally feel safe!" explains a smiling Ali.
Different aches, same pain reliever
Our project not only brought significant benefits to Ali and his family, it also transformed Abdullah*'s life through incentive-based volunteering (IBV) as World Vision focused not only on the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and psychological aspect, but also on the livelihoods of the beneficiaries.
"Leaving felt like swallowing a knife," shares Abdullah.
After Abdullah's contentment with life was crushed by the monster of destruction; war, they left Syria in 2016 as Abdullah had to take matters in his own hands, taking a leap of faith, "The moment we left was so bitter, I still remember it; not knowing where my parents and siblings will take shelter, having to leave our home, land and family behind not knowing what the next day has in store for us," says the 40-year-old father.
As they stepped in the Jordanian border, they knew that danger was over and relief washed over them. After a month full of transfers, they finally resided in the Azraq camp and were provided with their needed necessities, "I was finally able to leave my family without worrying that there is a chance of getting harmed," says Abdullah.
Working inconsistently outside the camp, providing for his family was a cycle of distress, "As if securing a job wasn't already difficult enough, I had to leave my wife and children and deal with the difficulty of transporting to the far away, very low paying job opportunity that left me exhausted and constantly worried for my family".
"I had always wished for an opportunity inside the camp, that enabled me to be the father and husband I want to be for my family", shares Abdullah.
That's when world Vision Syria Response thanks to the funding from ADA turned his wish into reality.
After Abdullah's wife informed him about the skilled painter volunteering opportunity provided through the project, all he could feel was is excitement as he pictured living a content and self-sufficient life. Abdullah applied and later notified that he got the job, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
Through the project, he not only provided for his family but also embraced a peaceful state of mind and contributed in helping the community, "In the seven years I've been in the camp, this is the first time I get employed, now I'm able to cover my expenses and provide for my family, I feel relieved".
"I find immense joy in my work, contributing to the betterment of my community brings me a deep sense of fulfilment", says Abdullah. For him such a project is life changing for Azraq camp, "This project is essential to all the families here and aids in maintaining their dignity, privacy and health".
"I wish that this project grows further and World Vision continues transforming our lives," finishes Abdullah.
1,800 IBV opportunities in the camp
288 IBV opportunities provided through this project alone
512 latrines installed
2,560 beneficiaries reached
And the impact continues, as we weave dreams of a better tomorrow.
This project is funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) with funds of Austrian Development Cooperation
*Names are changed to protect identity