Za’atari Camp Receives Visit From Royal Delegation, Attends Arts Summit

On March 20th, 2018, Blumont/IRD had the pleasure to receive and host a delegation visit in Za’atari camp from Her Royal Highness Princess Rym al-Ali and First Lady of the Republic of Panama Lorena Castillo de Varela.

The delegation spent time in Blumont/IRD’s community center in District 2 (D2) where they had the chance to view a plethora of art pieces created by children from the Za’atari community. The delegation interacted with the young artists and Blumont/IRD’s Art from Za’atari Committee members to learn more about the background and stories behind the paintings.

HRH Princess Rym al-Ali

HRH Princess Rym al-Ali

The paintings showcased in the D2 community center for the delegation visit were created during a creative workshop held by Blumont/IRD on March 17th, during which 19 boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 17 tapped into their creativity and self-expression to create 21 stunning pieces of art. The workshop was led by five members of the Art from Za’atari Committee, who provided coaching, mentoring and continuous encouragement for the children.

Some of the paintings showcased in the D2 community center.

Some of the paintings showcased in the D2 community center.

During the visit from HRH Princess Rym and the First Lady of Panama, two of the children were interviewed about their paintings. The young artists had the opportunity to share with the delegation the background and stories behind their art pieces, their hopes and future aspirations, and some words of encouragement and inspiration for children all over the world.

To follow the successful and inspiring delegation visit, Blumont/IRD received an official invitation to attend the 2018 Laureates and Leaders for Children Summit, which was held under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein at the Dead Sea on March 26th and March 27th, 2018. The summit consisted of a unique gathering of Nobel laureates, leaders and children, who worked jointly on developing an action plan to prioritize children and youth in crisis in global and national dialogues and policies.

During the summit, Blumont/IRD showcased 23 paintings created by children and 33 paintings created by members of the Art from Za’atari Committee. The art pieces were on display for the duration of the event and attendees were able to view, admire and purchase any of the art pieces to support and empower the artists in continuing and thriving in their creative journeys.

Za'atari Camp's art exhibit at the Laureates and Leaders for Children Summit.

Za’atari Camp’s art exhibit at the Laureates and Leaders for Children Summit.

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Blumont/IRD helps support refugees in Za’atari Camp through its Community Based Support to Refugees (CBSR IV) program. CBSR IV provides community services and support to refugees in camp and urban settings in Jordan, connecting individuals to essential services like healthcare, vocational training and job placement, with a strong emphasis on education and cohesive development. It is funded by UNHCR.

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