WFWP Japan Visits Jordan
Written by: Zoe Bennett
"Among us, we were friends, but now we have become sisters," said a Jordanian volunteer who, along with three other Jordanian women, continues charity work at old people’s homes in an area of Amman. They organize distribution and provide food entirely by 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. The tour was an intense program aimed at seeing firsthand the foundation the local volunteers have built over the past 30 years. It was also an opportunity to visit several impressive locations throughout the country.
The group began by visiting the Minister of Social Development, who explained the role women play in the Jordanian government. The Minister, a woman who previously participated in WFWP’s Middle East Women’s Conference, is well acquainted with WFWP through the conference and her frequent encounters with the 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. We parted with a promise to keep her updated on our international activities.
Next, the group visited the homes of several prominent community leaders, where they experienced the warmth of Middle Eastern hospitality. We were able to witness the high regard these leaders held for WFWP due to the dedicated service and love of our local volunteers, as well as the prestigious relationships our organization had cultivated in Jordan.
A Global Women’s Peace Ambassador, founder of an NGO, organized a reception at the local municipality, which was attended by about 100 people. The Japanese group performed a traditional tea ceremony and a sisterhood ceremony with some participants, while the organizers demonstrated the making of a local Jordanian dress. The governor and the police chief were also in attendance, and the governor expressed a strong desire to cooperate with our NGO.
A particularly meaningful time was spent with the 100 students of WFWP’s after-school classes during a picnic outing. The children enjoyed the games prepared by the Japanese members, and we could see the positive habits the children had developed through the overall education provided by WFWP’s classes.
The group also had the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of a Jordanian family by visiting some of the teachers’ families, sharing a meal together, conversing with different family members, and comparing cultural habits 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. We were in awe of the amazing natural wonders: the lowest point on earth at the Dead Sea, and the majestic red rocks and red sand of the desert.
The group gained a rich experience of Jordanian life and formed friendships with several young Jordanian women, with whom they intend to stay in touch.
