Queen launches Jordan River Foundation’s annual handicrafts exhibition

AMMAN — Her Majesty Queen Rania launched the 22nd edition of the Jordan River Foundation’s (JRF) annual handicrafts exhibition on Tuesday evening, titled “Vintage Dreams”.

Hosted at the JRF showroom in Amman, the exhibition showcases the foundation’s latest collections of traditional and contemporary handicrafts. 

All items on display were created by women from local communities, under JRF’s projects, Bani Hamidah Designs, Jordan River Designs and Wadi Rayan Designs, according to a statement from Her Majesty’s office.

Drawing inspiration from olive trees, pomegranates, and urban and bedouin symbolism, this year’s exhibition reflects local traditions across a selection of home furnishings, special gift items and fashion accessories. 

Her Majesty toured the exhibition in the company of JRF Director General Enaam Barrishi, as well as members of the JRF Board of Trustees and friends and supporters of the Foundation.

JRF projects have empowered more than 2,500 beneficiaries to date, providing local women with technical and entrepreneurial training to help them provide for their families, according to the statement. 

This year’s exhibition, which is being held with the support of Kathraba for Investments, is currently on display at the foundation’s showroom in Jabal Amman’s Rainbow Street.

JRF is a Jordanian non-profit, non-governmental organisation established in 1995 and chaired by Her Majesty Queen Rania. The foundation operates the Jordan River Child Safety and Jordan River Community Empowerment programmes, and aims to engage Jordanians to realise their full economic potential and overcome social challenges, according to the statement.

Since its establishment, JRF has launched numerous socio-economic projects for women, providing employment opportunities to enhance their livelihoods, while also focusing on programmes aimed at child protection from abuse, the statement added.