A Winter Update from Azraq

Dear AECF Supporters,

Amid rising Covid-19 cases in Jordan and around the world, we continue to adapt and implement our important work for the Azraq community. Read on for our latest updates from Jordan.

COVID-19 IN JORDAN

Since September, there has been a huge rise in Covid-19 cases in Jordan and the country is now averaging 6,000+ cases per day (a big number for a country of 10 million). All schools and universities in the country are closed, and the government is implementing intermittent lockdowns and restrictions to try to limit the spread.

HUMANITARIAN AID

Nearly all of our beneficiaries have lost monthly income since the start of the pandemic, and food shortages remain a major issue for many. AECF continues to implement our humanitarian aid program, distributing critical food aid including flour, oil, beans, sugar, and more on an ongoing basis.

DISTANCE LEARNING

While we are unable to gather at our center, our team of teachers continues to provide critical learning materials to all of our students at home. Every week, we deliver a packet of class assignments and activities to their door and teachers follow up throughout the week via class WhatsApp groups. We are proud to continue to reach 100% of our pre-pandemic student body. In this challenging time, our hands-on approach ensures that no child misses out on their education.

POETRY & ART WORKSHOPS

In partnership with Voices of the Children (VOTC) and in exchange with students in the US, we wrapped up our first set of Micro Programs (5 students at a time) in poetry and ceramics this month.

Poetry: Our 3rd-5th graders wrote original poems titled “The Best Part of Me” and “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me At All.” They discussed how Covid has impacted their lives, identified attributes they’ve learned about themselves, and turned their thoughts into poetry.

Ceramics: Our 8th grade girls spent the last month sculpting ceramics as part of a larger “Butterfly Garden” project with VOTC. The butterflies are a physical representation of a barrier each student is struggling to overcome. Ultimately, we will add all of the butterflies to a garden that will represent strength and unity working together to overcome our issues, whether they're personal, familial, societal or global.

INTRODUCING OUR STUDENT AMBASSADORS

Finally, we are excited to introduce you to our new team of incredible Student Ambassadors. Our cohort of 7 high school and college students joined AECF to spread awareness, raise donations, and create meaningful connections with our students in Jordan!

Are you a student or do you know a student who would be interested in getting involved with our Student Ambassador program? Click the button below to learn more!

Thank you so much for your ongoing support! As a 100% donor-supported program, your contributions make everything we do possible!

With gratitude,

The AECF team