Emergency Delivery in Mafraq

It was a "snow day" in Jordan yesterday and all the schools and government offices were closed in anticipation of a big winter blizzard.  In northern Jordan it was rainy and cold.

The bad weather didn't stop Jamal from his plans to deliver emergency supplies to the Syrian refugees in Mafraq.  We were invited to go along for the delivery and decided the weather wasn't bad enough to cancel.  We're really glad we went.

We joined Jamal and Dr. Abed Ayoub,CEO of United Muslim Relief who was visiting from the U.S. along with one of his associates, Osama.

Recently a group of local Bedouins have moved into the area where the Syrian refugees are camped.  The Bedouins moved their tents in  close to the newcomers to make them feel welcome.  the Bedouins are nomads and look very much like characters in a movie about the Arabian Nights.  They are very poor and uneducated.

Two weeks ago we delivered food boxes to these people.  This time we delivered mattresses, heaters, mats and blankets.  It's going to be a cold night and the families receiving the warm items were very grateful.

Jamal always has candy for the children.  

Dr. Ayoub talked to some of the children about their desire to go to school.  

Warm shoes for the little ones

We love the little children.

This teenage boy is an example of what everyone is worried about--uneducated bored teenagers sitting around who becoming targets for extremist groups.  He should be in school and thinking about being a productive member of society.

COMPARE THIS GROUP TO THE ONE WE JUST SAW:

The "chicken coop" camp (we call it that because they are housed in an old abandoned chicken coop and barn yard).  The people who live here have obviously come from a community in Syria where education is available.  The parents can read and write and it's important for their children to go to school.  Since there isn't a school nearby, the parents came up with a solution:  one person gave up a tent he didn't need so the kids could have a school.  Another man is a teacher and he has 40 students of various ages in his class.

 

We distributed backpacks, pencils, notebooks and other items to the children.  Then everyone went outside to be fitted for shoes.

While the children were outside we laid down new warm blankets and pads for the children to sit on.

This happy teacher got a new whiteboard and other supplies.  He receives no pay, but donates his time to the school.  Note:  see the picture of King Abdullah of Jordan on the wall.

This man is the community leader.  He carries a stick in his hand that we think is a symbol of his status, like a scepter.  He keeps order in the camp and any disputes are settled by him.  He is obviously very proud of the children and the school.

In our opinion, education for the Syrian children is a very important priority. 

 

The members of the community lined up to receive heaters, blankets and mats.