A bit of context
Jordan’s Zaatari Refugee Camp is well known, and the sea of white tents near the Syrian border has certainly made the headlines. What often goes unreported however, is the fact that there are 25,000 people living in Zaatari village, about 1 kilometre from the camp.
Life in the village
The vast majority of the people there are Syrian refugees who, still living in UNHCR tents, are not receiving enough support from larger NGOs. Most underprivileged Jordanians and Syrians in Zaatari village cannot afford basic necessities such as food and water.
The problem at hand
The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is approaching, a sacred time when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset in order to devote themselves to prayer, strengthen their relationship with God and empathise with people less fortunate than themselves. Throughout Ramadan Muslims prepare delicious meals with which to break their fast, and friends, family and neighbours will usually be invited round to join them. Unfortunately, those living in poverty struggle to feed themselves, let alone provide for guests, meaning that the usual struggle to feed one’s family is compounded by the sadness of not being able to participate in this tradition.
How we’re going to help
During Ramadan we aim to distribute at least 50 food boxes to families in need. Each box costs 30JD, and contains enough sugar, rice, oil, tea, lentils, hummus, white beans, pasta, shairia, stock cubes, milk, cheese, tuna, chopped tomato and jam to feed 4 people for 1 month. If more than 1500JD is raised for the food boxes, any additional amount raised will be used to purchase more boxes. Ramadan is the holiest time of year for Muslims and it should be a period of reflection, thanksgiving and celebration, not hunger.
Maximise our contribution
Ramadan is the holiest time of year for Muslims and it should be a period of reflection, thanksgiving and celebration, not hunger.