Queen Rania commends Al Aman Fund accomplishments

AMMAN — Her Majesty Queen Rania on Sunday met with members of the Al Aman Fund for the Future of Orphans board of trustees and congratulated them and the fund’s team on the occasion of its 10^th anniversary.

The Queen expressed her pride in the accomplishments of Al Aman Fund, commending its efforts in serving a segment of society that is often overlooked once they leave orphanages, according to a statement from her office.

Moreover, she praised the fund’s provision of psychological and social support to the beneficiaries.

Her Majesty also highlighted the importance of expanding vocational training opportunities in order to equip beneficiaries with the necessary tools to succeed in the workforce.

Although the fund has a reached a large number of beneficiaries, Queen Rania highlighted the need to expand its reach and the importance of engaging multiple stakeholders to do so, the statement said. 

Board members noted that last year’s outcomes significantly improved compared to the previous year.

They added that the additional funds generated from new donor streams this year will be invested in several new programmes that target a larger segment and improve vocational training outcomes.

During the meeting, board chairman Laith Al Qasem said the fund will continue to develop its methodology in order for it to achieve its goals. 

Ibrahim Al Ahmad, director of Al Aman Fund, presented its 2014 annual report and a summary of its main achievements. 

Ahmad also informed Her Majesty that donors can now contribute to the fund online via its website (http://www.alamanfund.jo).

In 2014, 675 orphans benefited from the fund and are now at university, while 114 are in vocational training programmes and 41 have received mid-level diplomas, he highlighted.

Overall, the number of beneficiaries stands at 2,559, of whom 1,488 are university graduates, with boys constituting 66 per cent of the total.

Al Aman Fund covers fees for students studying in Jordan, whether in universities, community colleges or vocational training centres. It also covers fees for different training courses including IT, English language that could improve orphans’ skills so they succeed in the job market. 

In addition, the fund covers the cost of living expenses, stationery and transportation through a monthly allowance that is given to beneficiaries. 

The fund also helps orphans who finish high school select a university major or an appropriate vocational training course that best fits their skills and abilities, and meets the requirements of the job market. 

Moreover, it gives orphans guidance on how to fill out their university applications and supports them so they overcome any challenges they might face.

The fund continues to support beneficiaries after graduation and helps them find jobs that suit their skills. 

The Queen established Al Aman Fund in 2006 to provide orphans with the necessary education and skills to become self-reliant members of the community after they turn 18 years old and leave their care centres.