Abu Dhabi: A group of women students from Zayed University visited Syrian refugees living in Jordan in late March, providing supplies and aid to the refugees they met.
During their trip, which also saw the support of Emirates Red Crescent, the 16-strong group had the opportunity to visit two Syrian refugee camps, the Zaatari camp, and the Emirati-Jordanian camp, which is funded and supported by the UAE.
The students had originally planned to help and visit 300 refugee children and residents as part of their ‘Bring a Smile’ project, but managed to reach over 800 by the end of their trip, spending time to get to know the children and their families.
“It was an experience of a lifetime that I will never forget. The people we met showed me how to be resilient in a world that is not always in their favour. The children were beautiful and happy despite their hardships. I will forever keep their generosity in my heart and try to teach my future children the same [attitude],” said Sara Lajam, one of students who visited the camps.
Maitha Al Shehi, also spoke positively of the interaction with the refugees and the change in perspective it has added to her life.
“Families welcomed us with open arms and we were warmly greeted everywhere we went, both on our planned and unplanned stops. I was surprised after visiting the refugee camp at how satisfied they are with their lives. I am so grateful for the things and the life that I have after spending quality time with them,” she said.
“We came with the mission of bringing a smile to the residents, but they touched us so deeply and brought both smiles and hope to us that will remain forever etched in all our hearts,” said Safa Al Jneibi, who also went on the trip.
As well as providing supplies to the refugees, the students also took part in other volunteering activities which included visiting one of the main hospitals at the Emirati-Jordanian camp and spending time with some of the sick children. The students also offered their volunteering services to the communal kitchens at the camp, helping families prepare their food.
Emirati-Jordanian Camp
The Emirati-Jordan Camp located in Mereijeeb Al Fuhood, roughly 20km north of Amman, is fully funded by the UAE and was opened in 2013. The camp currently hosts around 5,000 Syrian refugees and has been praised by international aid workers and organisations for its living conditions.
Families in the camp are housed in portacabins, each with a bathroom, plumbing, and air-conditioning. Meals and food items are delivered three times a day for each family.
