Most Iraqis have had to flee their country for safety in Jordan and other surrounding countries because of sectarian violence that is a direct result of the 2003 war. Prior to 2003, Iraqis of all religions and sects lived peacefully together - intermarriage between sects was common and it was considered "impolite" to ask what a neighbor's or friend's religion was. But with the invasion, the borders were left unguarded, security apparatus (police and military) were disbanded and a combination of religious fundamentalists, political opportunists, and criminal gangs had free reign to try to impose their rule and have murdered, kidnapped, or threaten to murder based on sect or religious affiliation. All religions and sects have been targeted. The cohesive fabric of Iraqi community has been ripped to shreds by fear and mistrust.
Iraqis strongly identify with the unifying structure of family, extended family, tribe and community. They identify themselves by their place within it and now, forced to flee and leaving their extended family and communities behind, this loss only compounded the trauma they have experienced as a result of the war and having to leave everything of their former lives behind.
Iraqis who flee to Amman do not live in tent camps. They are the largest urban-dwelling refugee population, living in low-rent, substandard apartments scattered throughout this immense city. They do not know their neighbors and often are isolated from other Iraqis. They are also often isolated from Iraqis in their immediate area because of the mistrust that they carry with them because of recent events in Iraq. Isolation only increases the depression and sense of hopelessness they already have.
Our community center offers a safe place where Iraqis from all religions and sects come together to engage in activities and classes. We offer a place that is reminiscent of the way of life in Iraq before the war. Fears are diminished and trust rebuilt as friendships are forged between them again.
Our classes have practical application, too - especially our English language classes. Most Iraqis who will be resettled will go to English-speaking countries. Knowledge of English language eases their transition into their new culture and increases their chances of success in finding employment or, for children, being successful in school. It also opens doors for creating much-needed friendships in their new communities. While, of course, bringing Iraqis together here to build mutually supportive friendships - so imperative during the hard times they endure here as refugees.
Our activities provide much needed FUN. Laughter is the best medicine and destitute Iraqis, traumatized by war and loss, have few opportunities to relax and forget the traumas of the past and those they are enduring now.
Iraqi families, living on next to nothing, cannot afford art supplies - so our activities offer opportunity for creative expression and the materials to do this.
Impoverished Iraqis families cannot afford to purchase books. All of us who read understand the inherent value of books but to Iraqis who are not allowed to work and who spend their days unoccupied and ruminating on the traumas they've endured, books also offer an escape - a distraction - from depression and sad memories. Our lending library is free.
We have one room that is designated as a "free store" - Donated gently used clothing and household items are available at no cost to those who need them.
Our Iraqi women's craft co-operative meets at our center, creating beautiful, functional GREEN products by recycling throw-away plastic shopping bags. HOPE WORKSHOP women are given the opportunity to earn much needed money to help with their families' needs while learning skills that will help to support them if resettled to another country - they can create and sell their products in their new nations or use the business and marketing skills to gain employment there. They also appreciate their meeting times for socializing. Iraqi women here - like many mothers of young children everywhere - are often confined to their homes by the demands of raising children. The co-op brings them together and friendships are forged in the co-operative atmosphere of their business.
Men's Dominoes Night is a favorite activity for the guys. In Iraq, before war destroyed "normal life", Iraq men would get together in the evenings at coffee shops to play dominoes, backgammon, drink coffee, smoke argila (water pipe) and socialize - much like western men get together for poker night or to watch sporting events. We have recreated this activity with Dominoes Night. It is a night when men can leave behind the stresses and worries of not being able to provide for their families, share laughs and conversation, build supportive friendship and alliances. As in all cultures, when men cannot provide for their families and money is tight, domestic violence has increased dramatically in refugee families. Dominoes Night not only gives the men a break from these concerns but also gives their families a break from the atmosphere of tension that is a constant in homes where domestic violence takes place.
We now have a small playground for the children with a relaxation area for adults in a private fenced area. We also now have a computer learning center with 5 computers where we offer basic computer skills and internet use classes.
We currently offer these classes and activities to the Iraqi refugee community here:
ESL (English as a second language) ALL LEVELS, KIDS & ADULT
CULTURAL EXCHANGE NIGHT
LITERACY FOR CHILDREN
KIDS READING CLUB
MOMS & KIDS COOPERATIVE PLAYGROUP
LENDING LIBRARY
SEWING ROOM
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ABOUT OUR FAMILY RESOURCE & COMMUNITY CENTER
