The Jordan River Foundation is a non-profit organization started in December 1995 in Amman, Jordan to empower society, especially women and children, and in turn, improve the quality of life to secure a better future for all Jordanians. The foundation was founded by and is chaired by Queen Rania Al-Abdullah.[1][2] [3] The foundation's mission statement reads as follows:
"The foundation's mission is to promote, in partnership with stakeholders, the development of a dynamic Jordanian society by initiating and supporting sustainable social, economic and cultural programs that empower communities and individuals based on their needs and priorities."
Showroom
Located on Jabal Amman, the Jordan River Foundation showroom occupies the house built in the 1936[4] by Salim al-Odat.[5] Odat rented the house to the British army which then occupied Jordan throughout the 1930s to be used as offices. He sold it in 1939, after which it went through a number of owners in which it was used as a house, a police station, and a school during the 1960s. But in the 1980s, the house was abandoned and fell into disrepair.[5] Then, at the end of the decade, when a potential buyer threatened to tear down the house, architect Zaid al-Qoussous bought it so as to preserve the house. In 1994, the house was bought and renovated by the Jordan River Foundation to be used as their showroom.[5] Several companies and embassies contributed to the renovation:[4]
- USAID
- Embassy of Japan
- Canadian Embassy
- Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Australian Embassy
- Othman Mohamed Ali Bdeir
- Arab Technical Group
- Heating Supplies Company
- Technolinks
Bani Hamida Women's Weaving Project
The Bani Hamida Women's Weaving Project is one of the projects hosted by the Jordan River Foundation. Based in Mukawir, near Madaba, the project works to promote bedouin handicrafts and to improve economic and social well being of bedouin women and children.[6] The Bani Hamida handicrafts are displayed in the Jordan River Foundation showroom.
Wadi Al Rayan Project
The Wadi Al Rayan Project is hosted by the Jordan River Foundation showroom. A group of 165 women involved in the project make baskets, mats, and furniture from local banana leaves and cattail reeds.[7]
Management
JRF's successful management is shaped by the capabilities and expertise of employees who ensure demand-driven implementation and facilitation of its programs and activities. The Foundation employs 137 experienced staff to manage its programs, centers and services. These qualified individuals participate in continuous training and capacity building activities to enhance their knowledge and skills, creating a dedicated cadre. In addition to the staff, 35 volunteers devote their time and efforts in fundraising activities through annual and ad noc special events. They are also involved in development projects that mobilize community members to address specific needs and priorities. The current Director General is Valentina Qussisiya.
See also
References
- ^ "Biography of Her Majesty Queen Rania al Abdullah". World Health Organization. Retrieved 2008-06-28.
- ^ Jordan River Foundation plaque. Jordan River Foundation, 2008
- ^ Darwish, Adel (1999-02-09). "Spotlight on a Queen: Rania of the Hashemites". Retrieved 2008-06-26.
- ^ a b Jordan River Foundation house plaque. Jordan River Foundation, 2008
- ^ a b c Old Houses of Jordan. TURAB, 1997.
- ^ Bani Hamida Women's Weaving Project plaque. Jordan River Foundation, 2008
- ^ Wadi Al Rayan Project poster. Jordan River Foundation, 2008
