Children make up more than half of the refugee population in Jordan.
They are vulnerable and dependent, thus face greater dangers to their welfare and safety, and are at risk of becoming a “lost generation”. Refugee children are psychologically and physically affected and need to be surrounded in a nurturing environment that can provide protection, education, health and love.
As part of IRD/Blumont’s Community Based Support to Refugees in Jordan (CBSR-2) in-kind distribution, a shipment containing Gymboree clothing and shoes for children– procured by the nonprofit Peacebuilders and shipped by Global Assistance – was received and donated to refugee and host community children in Jordan.
An adorable Sudanese baby tries on her new pair of shoes at Ras Al Ain CBO in Amman.
The clothes and shoes were designated for babies and children ages 0-12, and were donated to Syrian, Iraqi, Somali, Sudanese and vulnerable Jordanian children, reaching 5,380 children in total. Distribution began right before Eid Al Adha, a Muslim holiday where it is customary for families to wear new clothes. This made the distributions even more joy-filled for families, as children got to try on clothes in the correct size and went home with new apparel and a smile on their face.
Jordanian boys receive their portion of clothes and shoes at Ras Al Ain CBO.
Before distribution began, the CBSR team dedicated three days to sorting the packages and dividing them per area, with assistance from community support committees. Distributions were conducted in IRD/Blumont’s 16 Community Based Organizations (CBOs) in: Amman (Hay Nazzal, Sweileh, Ras Al Ain, Al Hashmi, Al Naser, Jabal Amman Marka) Zarqa, Irbid, Balqa (Salt), Ajloun, Ma’an, and Aqaba Governorates in Jordan. These distributions took place with help from five IRD/Blumont community mobilizers and all 16 community support committee members.
“I can’t wait for school to begin, so I could wear my new shoes,” said Mohammad, a Syrian boy.
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