When we met Ahlam yesterday, we knew she was special. Not only because she was succeeding in her business, but she has also found a way to empower women to open their own businesses in the camp. For Day 145, we wanted to do something for Ahlam that might help her continue to lift up others by sharing her craft...with even more supplies! Ahlam has already trained nearly 200 women in soap-making and perfumes. But she's not just teaching skills on how to make soap - she also works with the women on concepts like presentation and marketing. "This helps women build their inner confidence and be strong," she says. "As women, we have to stay strong and assert ourselves." Now the sales of the soaps all goes back to the women in the training program, to help them grow their businesses. Ahlam herself didn't have formal training, and much of her business was trial and error. She says it took a lot of grit and determination to make it where she is. “When I meet with the … [Read more...] about An Inspiration to All

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

At the Questscope Youth Center in Za’atari Camp, we have a music room. Classes are taught by one of our mentors, Hayam, a Syrian musician who lives in the camp. Hayam guides youth in their lessons and experience of music. It’s an important method to help calm anxiety and foster healing in the rough environment of a refugee camp. Taima, a very talented girl, plays the keyboards. She is so talented that she started playing publicly at celebrations and ceremonies at the Youth Center. Hayam encouraged her to start playing at weddings and celebrations outside of the Youth Center, but she couldn’t afford to purchase a portable keyboard. So we surprised her with one of her very own! “When I brought the keyboard it was a surprise. I didn’t tell her that Hayam recommended this gift,” said Manar Amro of the Questscope team. “When we gave it to her she became very quiet, and then broke out into a smile and kept saying, ‘Is this for me?’ We drew a smile on this … [Read more...] about A Musical Gift

Syrians are well-known for their warmth and hospitality. They’re also famous for their cuisine. Having a clean space to welcome visitors is of paramount importance, especially for people who have already lost so much. The ability to invite friends and family over for a meal or cup of tea brings much-needed routine and community into a refugee camp. Moayad and his family lived in a caravan with a rough and leaky floor. Because it wasn’t well-sealed, insects and moisture would come in through the cracks. Their kitchen and bathroom were also incomplete and in poor shape. Seeing an opportunity for change, we set about doing some maintenace to these spaces. We also put in new flooring! Although the changes were fairly basic, it made a huge difference to their home. Moayad and his family can now invite their loved ones over with pride, to a space that reflects their spirit of hospitality. Moayad said, “You granted my wife's dream to have a neat kitchen! And my … [Read more...] about Spirit of Hospitality