MY JORDAN JOURNAL STORIES OF ADVENTURE, CULTURE, AND FAITH IN JORDAN

Social Enterprises at the Heart of Jordan's Community

Aug 20, 2024 2:00:00 PM

Leen Hajjar

In honor of National Nonprofit Day, which is commemorated on August 17th each year, we’ve compiled some of our favorite social enterprises in Jordan.

National Nonprofit Day recognizes the ongoing efforts and positive impact that nonprofit organizations have on local communities and around the world. Jordan in particular is filled with nonprofits that work to promote awareness, provide services, and foster community development in various cities across the kingdom.

Here is a list of some of our favorite that are tirelessly supporting the Jordanian community.

Moreover, visitors to Jordan can experience many of Jordan’s social enterprises through the Meaningful Travel Map, which currently includes 15 social initiatives that offer an array of local and unique experiences while supporting rural communities.

 

Bani Hamida Women Weaving Project

Located in a beautiful historic home, women weavers eagerly welcome guests who visit the center, display their wool products, share their stories, and provide them with the opportunity to obtain a hands-on experience in using the weaving machines. Visitors can also purchase these unique products on site.

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(Photo Credit: Visit Jordan)

Iraq Al Amir Women’s Cooperative Association

Housed in a renovated Ottoman era house in the town of Iraq Al Amir, the Iraq Al Amir Women’s Cooperative Association was founded over two decades ago by the Noor Al-Hussein Foundation (NHF). Since its establishment, the cooperative has worked to provide employment opportunities to Jordanian women and increase their income by utilizing their skills through producing and selling handmade pottery, fabrics, ceramics, foods, and paper products.

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(Photo Credit: Visit Jordan)

Al Numeira Environmental Association

Founded in 2012, Al Numeira was founded by a group of Jordanians with the aim of raising and increasing environmental awareness among the local population, specifically with regards to the use of water and building materials.

Dar Ne'meh

Nestled in an idyllic olive grove, Dar Ne'meh is a community initiative where young women are trained in various skills. Established to help these women become skilled artisans, Dar Ne'meh offers them opportunities to produce and sell unique handicrafts while also providing visitors with an engaging creative experience.

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(Photo Credit: Visit Jordan 

Bait Khairat Souf

A historical and cultural heritage home, Beit Khairat Souf serves and sells traditional, natural food with the goal to create a platform for local women to financially support themselves through different cooking and food production opportunities, such as jams and spices. It is the perfect place to experience the tastes of Jordanian cuisine.

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(Photo Credit: Bait Khairat Souf Facebook 

Lumeyo 

Founded to reduce textile waste, Lumeyo focuses on recycling sweaters for weaving and promoting conscious fashion. By reviving Bedouin handicrafts, Lumeyo empowers local women to work from home, allowing them to support their families while preserving cultural heritage.

Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN)

RSCN's main goal is to safeguard Jordan’s natural environment and biodiversity. It manages 10 protected areas across the kingdom and continuously works to encourage nature conservation efforts and environmental protection. These areas, including Wadi Mujib and Dana Biosphere Reserve offer an array of wonderful cultural experiences to visitors.

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 (Photo Credit: RSCN Instagram Account)


Leen Hajjar

Written by Leen Hajjar

Leen Hajjar, born and raised in Amman, is JTBNA's blog editor. A recent graduate from Villanova University with a master's degree in Communication, Leen focuses on media analysis, specifically mainstream media’s portrayal of Arabs and the Middle East. Her previous experience as a writer for Al Arabiya English, inspired stories that shed light on the diverse and positive attributes of the Arab world, aiming to provide a more comprehensive representation of the region and its people.


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