Blog: The Middle East

Smyrna, Turkey

Holy Land Garden

This update can start to sound a bit like a “broken record.” Several recurring factors have impacted the future direction of our project. Due to ongoing challenges related to COVID-19, we find ourselves limited in the scope and size of the Holy Land Garden project. We are contending with the heat of summer, less water, and other hot weather-related factors which diminish agricultural production.  

Smyrna Women's Empowerment Centre, Turkey

A crisis is always an opportunity. Last month, an issue that arose among the women was a great teachable moment for us. As we were solving problems, we saw that our relationships have gotten stronger.

House of Ruth, Jordan

Goat Loan Programme, Jordan

A visit was made to Mouaqer Village to check on Umm Zaid* after she was infected with COVID-19. She is now in good condition and has returned to take care of the goats. We are now in the stage of completing the number of births of kid goats in order to enlarge the project and reach new villages.

Thank you!

Rami

GHNI Assistant National Field Leader

Refugees in Jordan

Yemeni Refugees

Aaron* from Yemen came to Jordan four years ago. He is married and has two sons. He has a leg injury and experienced a stroke in the brain while in Jordan. We were in constant contact with him through visits, and we provided him with assistance. He came to the office last week in order to thank us.

Holy Land Garden

April through June has been a time of transition. The need to relocate has created big changes to the project. With the move, there has also been a change to the type of help that is being offered to those who are in need. The host country has had a lot of difficulties recently with the increase of displaced and homeless people. Trying to help those impacted by unforeseen events is a big part of the project’s new emphasis.  

Holy Land Garden

Several factors have impacted the future direction of the expansion of the project. We are strongly considering a new hydroponics project in a larger urban area and hope to specialise in leafy green vegetables.

Smyrna, Turkey

We started a knitted Christmas stockings project within the scope of the Smyrna Women's Empowerment Centre’s efforts. We carried out the project in less-fortunate neighbourhoods. We thought that making money is an important factor for women's self-confidence, and we aimed to help disadvantaged women to make some money. At the same time, we helped them to solve some of the problems related to their children. Women were able to earn money without having to look for a job during this compelling pandemic season. 

Refugees in Lebanon