Amman

Amman is the capital of Jordan and, with a population of over 2.9 million, it is also the country’s largest city. It is situated in the north-west of the country near the border with the West Bank. The city’s population has been expanding rapidly over the last decade and is expected to continue doing so, mainly due to the great influx of migrants and refugees. In fact, Jordan’s population is one of the fastest growing in the world. In Amman, this rapid urbanisation has put a strain on the city’s water supplies, and urban planning was not sufficiently in place to ensure decent living conditions for all of the city’s residents.
Thousands of refugees fled Syria and arrived in Jordan in search of safety. Most of them crossed the border illegally and were in urgent need of support when they reach Jordan. Zaatari, the largest refugee camp in Jordan, where over 200,000 Syrians live in tents, is 1.5 hours away from the city of Amman. For children, this situation is particularly difficult as they are not only torn from their homes and the environment they are familiar with, but many of them have experienced violence and traumatic events.

The first SOS Children’s Village in Jordan was opened in 1986 in Amman. Today, the SOS Social Centre here serves the residents of the Children’s Village as well as members of the local community and hosts a range of activities. Our social centre here provides a family strengthening programme, which aims to support families in a holistic and sustainable manner. Children can participate in workshops, for example to improve their handwriting in Arabic, or receive extra tuition in school subjects they are struggling with.

In addition, a general medical check-up is offered on a “free health day” and we also provide counselling and psychological support to our children and young adults, our co-workers and mothers, and members of the community.