ADC, Jordan River Foundation to develop small projects for women in Aqaba's old town

These small projects aim at generating income, developing and enhancing skills as well as playing a major role in reducing economic and social challenges.

The agreement was signed by Eng. Imad Fakhoury, CEO of ADC and Valentina Qussisiya, Director General of the Jordan River Foundation.

The signing ceremony was attended by Chief Commissioner of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), Husni Abu Ghaida.

Fakhoury said that this initiative falls in line with Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah's recommendation during her visit to the old town last April where Her Majesty was given a brief on the results of a detailed study on the old town that was conducted by JRF and sponsored by ADC; the study revealed that small projects are a necessity to enhance living conditions in the old town.

Fakhoury stated,

"Her Majesty is very keen on developing small projects that generate a steady income because they breed positive results and play a major role in improving economic and social conditions, especially for women who are capable of working".

Fakhoury highlighted the important role small projects play in achieving sustainable development whilst helping individuals be more productive, and providing the opportunity for women to realize their potentials. He emphasized that ADC focuses its efforts on meeting the needs of the local community in Aqaba and the old town in particular.

This comes as part of ADC's social responsibility to improve living standards and involving the community in Aqaba's development process. It also add to ADC's plans and efforts in the old town and complements ASEZA's role in the area. Fakhoury also underlined the importance of Public Private Partnerships in implementing similar projects.

Ms. Qussisiya said that the projects will empower the community, specifically women and children through improving living standards and ensuring a brighter future for all. She said that JRF's objective is to encourage long-lasting social, economic and cultural projects based on the needs and priorities of the community. These programs are implemented in cooperation with concerned parties.

She also said that since its establishment, JRF has continuously implemented sustainable economic and social projects, such as hand crafts, that have helped empower many women; these projects have improved the financial situation for thousands of Jordanians.

The JRF focuses it work on development projects that are beneficial on an economic, social, educational and environmental level in addition to other areas that directly concern the residents. The JRF established the Queen Rania Al Abdullah Center for Community Empowerment, Safe Schools Project and the Young Leaders Project among many others.