Jordan Embraces Volunteerism as Essential Part of its Culture

Twelve civil society organizations (CSOs) in Jordan’s different governorates have successfully planted the seed of volunteerism in their institutions and throughout their regions, kudos to the Jordanian East and West Center for Human Resources Development (We Center) that took the lead in equipping these CSOs with tools to institutionalize voluntary work.  The WE Center is proud to successfully complete its Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) funded project, with 500 new volunteers, 25 voluntary initiatives, and Memorandums of Understanding with 12 non-governmental organizations. “The purpose of the project was to prove that volunteerism will contribute to a vibrant civil society and encourage partnership between citizens and CSOs,” commented project director Mahmoud Hishmeh.

After a series of workshops, field work, and intense planning to build volunteer capacity and units, the twelve CSOs were able to effectively attract and merge volunteers in their institution’s vision and strategy.  Some of the distinguished achievements of the project included Princess Basma/Queen Zein’s Development Center drafting a plan to institutionalize volunteer work in all of its 45 centers in the Kingdom.  Other notable accomplishments involved one participating organization in Mafraq allocating parts of its administrative funds to support volunteer-related projects, and another one in Irbid organizing a workshop for Imams urging them to call for volunteer work in their Friday sermons. Click here for a press article on the Imams workshop. Other voluntary initiatives comprised of Math and English language tutoring, free medical days, cleaning campaigns for Dead Sea and Aqaba shores, painting of schools walls, and working with the physically challenged.

The closing ceremony for the project that was held end of April 2009, was attended by participant organizations, members of the press, and the Jordanian Minister of Political Development, who emphasized the importance of youth involvement in political, social and voluntary work. The ceremony concluded with a film with photos for volunteers at partner NGOs working with beneficiaries.  Click here to see the film.

The WE Center is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization that advances the capability and efficiency of individuals and institutions to help build dialogue among members of the Jordanian society through peaceful and creative projects, such as those that empower volunteerism.

Activities of the MEPI-funded project were extensively covered in the local press, such as Al Rai, Addustour, and Al-Ghad .