Queen Rania Meets with Representatives of Charity Organizations and Visits School in Jerash

(Office of Her Majesty – Press Department – Amman) - Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah visited the governorate of Jerash on Wednesday, where she stopped by the Jerash Women Charitable Society and Lubaba Bint Al Hareth Secondary School for Girls.

At the society, Her Majesty was welcomed by President Samira Al Sabbagh, and Vice President Hiba Zureikat, who briefed her on the society’s work.

Established in 1971, the Jerash Women Charitable Society is one of the oldest community-based organizations in Jordan, and the oldest in Jerash. Its chief objectives include supporting community members in need through direct aid, and providing training opportunities for women to empower them with vocational skills.

At a meeting there that brought together a group of 15 men and women representing local charities in Jerash, Her Majesty said she is always pleased to meet with organizations that aim to serve their communities and unite under one roof to achieve a common goal.

She also emphasized that without joining forces, individual efforts won’t yield large benefits to communities.

Stressing the important role of civil society organizations and local charities, Her Majesty explained His Majesty’s keenness on supporting homegrown initiatives that understand the needs of people and the importance of investing in their capabilities.

Elaborating on how local charities are best placed to assess the unique needs of a particular area, Her Majesty said that projects initiated from within the community are often the most successful at creating impact.

All the charities Her Majesty met with oversee several projects, most of which are income-generating initiatives that help beneficiaries gain financial independence. Other projects they implement center on women and community empowerment, and helping people with disabilities.

After the meeting, Her Majesty toured the society’s kindergarten and nursery, and its sewing workshop, where she met with women working there. The society also runs a traditional embroidery workshop and works towards reducing illiteracy among women through educational programs.

 Its long-term plans include building a production kitchen for training purposes, where women can learn how to make meals and desserts to market at local restaurants.

While in Jerash, Her Majesty also visited the Lubaba Bint Al Hareth Secondary School for Girls, where she met with its Principal Yasmeen Zureikat, and a number of students and teachers.