Queen visits charitable society in Irbid's Bait Ras Village

AMMAN — Queen Rania visited the Urban Development Charitable Society in Bait Ras Village in Irbid on Tuesday, where she met with some of its members and beneficiaries.

Society President Ahmad Malabeh briefed Her Majesty on the programmes and activities offered by the society, which was founded in 1998 with the objectives of establishing several small- and medium-sized projects to improve the livelihoods of its members.

Irbid Mayor Hussein Bani Hani also attended the meeting.

Malabeh explained that the society received a grant from the “Community Based Initiatives for Water Demand Management Project” implemented by Mercy Corps and funded by USAID to carry out water efficiency projects. 

So far 16 water wells have been built in the area, according to a statement from the Queen's office.

Her Majesty also received a briefing on the “Makani” (My Space) initiative, which is a project launched by UNICEF in 2014 and implemented across the Kingdom. 

Malabeh said “Makani” centres provide a safe environment and a wide range of programmes, including informal education for out of schoolchildren, as well as psychosocial support and guidance. 

The centre’s services are available to both Jordanians and non-Jordanians.

During her tour of the facility, Queen Rania also attended part of a civic participation and governance workshop conducted by the National Democratic Institute and funded by USAID. The workshop aims to promote community awareness about issues relating to democracy and decentralisation.

The society, whose general assembly consists of 35 members, has also worked on the inclusion of persons with disabilities by participating in the implementation of a project called “Integrating Disabled Persons within Jordanian Society”. 

The project, which is funded by USAID and Mercy Corps and implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Development, provides support for people with disabilities to help them become productive members of their community.

In addition, the society has received a grant to implement “Nubader” youth project. 

Developed under the “No Lost Generation” campaign, in cooperation with Mercy Corps, and funded by Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, the project has provided 43 job opportunities for young people and trained 850 more on life and vocational skills.

The society has also granted 105 revolving loans to members wishing to start small businesses. It has worked with the Jordan River Foundation on installing solar water heating systems for 58 homes in the village.