Forging Bonds of Peace: WFWP Japan’s Visit to Jordan
Written by: Zoe Bennett
"WFWP taught us how to give to others. Among us, we were friends, but now we have become sisters,” said a Jordanian volunteer who, along with three other Jordanian women, organizes and provides food to old people’s homes in an area of Amman, entirely through their own means.
From September 1 to 9, a group of young Japanese WFWP members accompanied the organization's International President on a fact-finding tour in Jordan. It was an intensive program aimed at seeing firsthand the foundation the local volunteers have built over 30 years. It was also an opportunity to visit several impressive locations in the country.
The group began by visiting the Minister of Social Development, who discussed the important role women play in the Jordanian government. The Minister, who had previously participated in WFWP’s Middle East Women’s Conference, is well acquainted with WFWP through this conference and her frequent encounters with local volunteers. She was pleased to meet the Japanese group, especially the International President, who shared how much WFWP has expanded its humanitarian and educational work. They parted with a promise to keep her updated on WFWP’s international activities.
The next part of the tour involved visiting the homes of several community leaders who are close to WFWP. Here, the group experienced the warmth of Middle Eastern hospitality and witnessed the high regard these leaders had for WFWP due to the dedicated service and love of the local volunteers, as well as the esteemed relationships the organization has cultivated in Jordan.
A Global Women’s Peace Ambassador and founder of an NGO organized a reception at the local municipality, attended by about 100 people. The Japanese members performed a traditional tea ceremony and led a sisterhood ceremony with several participants, while the organizers demonstrated the making of a traditional Jordanian dress. Both the governor and the police chief attended, with the governor expressing a strong desire to cooperate with WFWP.
The group also spent meaningful time with 100 students from WFWP’s after-school classes by enjoying a picnic together. The children delighted in the games prepared by the Japanese members, who were impressed by the good habits and positive character traits the children had developed through WFWP’s classes.
In addition, the group had the opportunity to experience Jordanian family life by visiting some of the teachers’ families, sharing a meal, talking with family members, and comparing traditions between Japan and Jordan.
The tour also included visits to some of Jordan’s famous landmarks, such as Petra, the Dead Sea, and the desert. The group was awestruck by the natural beauty around them—the lowest point on earth at the Dead Sea, and the majestic red rocks and red sand of the desert.
This journey gave the group a rich experience of Jordanian life, and they developed friendships with several young Jordanian women with whom they intend to stay in contact moving forward.
