There are not many women-owned businesses in Zaatari camp. So we knew when we met Ahlam today, that she was special. Ahlam started making medicinal and perfumed soaps as a hobby two years ago. Initially, she was just looking for something to keep her busy and provide a little pocket money. Now, she is one of the most sought-after soap-makers, selling her soaps in markets in Amman, and even teaching others her craft. She used to receive supplies from a community organization, but they stopped distributing supplies in January. She needed the supplies to begin her business over again. Today, we surprised Ahlam with new soap making supplies and molds! "She had tears in her eyes – she was so touched," said Manar from our team. And Ahlam herself was screaming in excitement when she saw one particular item. "I've been looking for these soap molds!" she said. Being a business owner has its challenges, especially as a woman in Za'atari. But Ahlam meets those challenges … [Read more...] about Meet Ahlam

Mohamad Al Shami is one of a true Changemaker in Zaatari Camp. He's the sports facilitator and plans outreach to help refugee youth stay active and involved. Mohamad said that most kids can’t afford clothes or shoes for sports. They typically come to the youth center with the same clothes every day and play barefoot. But, they're very dedicated in training, and love to play in tournaments! “I see these boys almost every day, usually in the same clothes," said Mohamad. "I realized that giving them a sports uniform will have a huge effect on how they feel and how they see themselves.” Mohamad had an idea - he suggested getting shorts, t-shirts, and shoes for 20 youth who play soccer at the center. “These youth received something without feeling like they need to achieve something specific to deserve a nice set of clothes," he said. "It’s not a prize. It’s something for you, because you are human and you love to play soccer!” The boys were so happy! They kept … [Read more...] about A New Uniform

Living with cancer is difficult and exhausting, and as a refugee it's even harder. Today we wanted to make life just a little easier for Yamen, a seven year old living in Za'atari who is taking chemotherapy for his cancer treatments. When we met with his family, we asked how we could help support Yamen. "It would be lovely if he has a bed, because he is laying down most of the time," said his mother, "I don’t like that he is on the ground." A simple thing like a bed for a boy that was already dealing with so much? We knew we had to act. We went to work to find a carpenter in the community who could help make a bed for Yamen on short notice. "This would help make life for Yamen more comfortable," said teammate Georgie, "but would also support someone in the community with some extra income." The amazing part is that the carpenter built a beautiful bed in about one hour! We loaded the bed on a donkey cart and moved it about ½ mile across camp to Yamen's home. His … [Read more...] about A Place to Sleep

Living with a disability anywhere has complications. In Zaatari Refugee Camp, it's especially hard for those who can't get around easily. We helped solve that problem today for Ahmad. Before, his siblings would carry him when he needed to get around. Because it was difficult to bring him outside, soon they also stopped going out. "I always felt it was my fault that I couldn't give his siblings enough space to be kids for their brother who needs extra care," said Ahmad's mom. When we arrived today with the wheelchair for Ahmad, his mother was speechless. "Thank you so much for providing me with a chair that can help me take Ahmad outside!" Ahmad's youngest brother was also moved, telling him that things would be easier now. This wheelchair is life-changing for Ahmad and his family! … [Read more...] about Moving Freely

At Za'atari Camp in Jordan, we work to promote healthy lifestyles among people through training, mentoring, and group support. Our team helps people with chronic disease - like diabetes and high blood pressure - develop their own personalized health plan to guide them in self-directed improvement to better manage their illness. A key aspect of managing diabetes is being able to take measurements frequently. But hospitals and doctors are far away, and can be difficult to visit on a daily basis. There was an easy solution we could see... We went out and purchased blood sugar monitors for patients who have trouble monitoring their disease. “I felt love when I was giving them the monitors!," said volunteer Mohamed Jaber, "It is a very simple thing, and relatively cheap! But I saw comfort in the eyes of the elderly recipients. We helped create a simpler life – in the midst of the chaos of a refugee camp – one step at a time.” One woman said, “I measure my blood … [Read more...] about Keeping on Track

The ability to live a healthy lifestyle is limited in Za’atari Refugee Camp. After living in the camp for four or five years, many people suffer from chronic health conditions. There simply aren't a lot of healthy food choices or opportunities for physical exercise. Conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and asthma contribute to nearly one half of chronic health consultations in the camp. Projects that support community-based well being are vital. Recently, our team Questcope implemented a pilot project to improve the physical and emotional health of Syrian refugees. The goal is to build Syrian leadership capacity to introduce and promote healthy lifestyles among people through training, mentoring, and group support. Through this program, we identified people who really needed blood pressure monitors. They have to take these measurements frequently, and hospitals and doctors are scarce. So, we thought, there was something we could do to help. Monitors cost … [Read more...] about Feeling Well

For the next few days, we’re back in Za’atari Refugee Camp in Jordan with our Syrian Changemakers! Today we’re making change with a particularly vulnerable group – widowed and divorced women who live alone. Jobs are very hard to come by in the camp, and it can be difficult for women to work outside of their home. Especially when they have small children who need care. Some of these women were seamstresses before the war started in Syria. So we bought sewing machines for nine women head-of-households! These machines will make a big difference - they’ll be able to operate small businesses out of their home making mattresses, clothing, and other items. When we gave the women their new machines, everyone was buzzing with energy. The women said they had given up hope that anyone would invest in them because of their age. Believing in the potential of people – regardless of age – is something we can miss in our world. But these women have grit and talent. All they … [Read more...] about Sewing Hope