"Success Stories"
Samples
Meeting the Human
behind the Hardships
The below Samples were created while working with
Islamic Relief World Wide - Jordan Office
as a Media Advocacy Officer
Story for the Health Program
A Glimpse of An Eye
General Overview:
In the blink of an eye, life can change, just as it did for Wateen. The 6-year-old girl went to bed normally one day, without any medical issues, but woke up the next day with a condition known medically as "strabismus," which caused an abnormal alignment of her eyes.
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Wateen's family of seven lived a decent life in the camp where they were born and raised. However, since Wateen's medical issue appeared, their lives changed. "We face many health challenges and difficulties because we do not have health insurance or a national ID number as we are originally from Gaza," said Wateen's mother. She continued, "Therefore, it is difficult for us to undergo medical procedures in governmental hospitals. Even when we visit the hospital for regular checkups, we pay a similar cost to that of a private hospital."
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Wateen's father works as a day laborer, meaning he only gets paid for the days he works. Consequently, the family often cannot pay their bills, let alone cover Wateen's medical expenses.
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Wateen suffered from bullying from her peers and even her teacher's sister after her strabismus diagnosis. She was called names such as "cross-eyed" and asked to leave the class because of her appearance. All of this had a negative impact on Wateen's mental health.
Following the bullying, Wateen's mother decided not to send her daughter to kindergarten to avoid the burden and effects of bullying, resulting in the denial of Wateen's basic right to education.
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The mother sought treatment for Wateen at a medical center, which referred her case to the City Eye Hospital. Wateen had to make several visits to the hospital, and eventually, surgery was recommended. However, Wateen's family could not afford half of the cost of the surgery, which was estimated at 950 Jordanian dinars. Although the family visited several hospitals and eye clinics, they could only afford expensive consultations.
After The EYE SURGERY
Letter to the Donor:
At the end of Islamic Relief visit, Wateen's mother expressed her gratitude to the Islamic Relief staff, praying for their health and well-being. She hoped that the organization's acts of goodness would continue, bringing happiness to many more families like hers. Her entire family, including her grandfather and aunts, was grateful for the successful surgery, and they thanked God for the resolution of Wateen's eye problem. The Mother Said “May Allah reward them with goodness”.
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No Provider
General Overview:
Coming across a single mother living with her two daughters raises a very important question: who provides for them when there is no provider and no possibility for employment?
When Amal Thuneibat, a 40-year-old Jordanian widowed woman living with her two daughters in Al Karak governorate in Jordan, found herself with no provider, she decided to open her own home business.
Amal's business idea was based on creating customized products using thermal printing, such as mugs and T-shirts. The family of three was able to secure a sustainable income through their home business.
Project Imapct:
Amal secured a financial grant from the Enhancing Access to Economic Empowerment and Livelihood Opportunities and Youth Living in South of Jordan/Karak 020_003722 project through which she was to able to buy a laser cutter that helped her grow her business and start creating new products, such as frames, medals, and educational boards.
The 40-year-old mother mentioned the great benefit she gained from business development training that focused on the topics of marketing and social media management, which helped her manage her business better.
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After receiving the IRJ grant, Amal is now aiming to grow her business even more. She is focused on buying larger laser machines in order to contract with bigger companies.
The Circle of Joy:
How Abo Ahmad Survived Winter
General Overview:
Gathering and circling around a heat source during the winter season is a symbolic ritual for almost every Middle Eastern family. This simple source of heat can be used to cook chestnuts, bake cakes, and grill Mortadella and cheese sandwiches, which brings tremendous joy to every household. However, many families, such as Abo Ahmad's, cannot afford this simple ritual or its pleasure, as they lack a steady source of income to provide for their basic needs. They rely on the assistance of organizations like Islamic Relief to survive.
"We only have the Allah of the Worlds," Abo Ahmad said. "Winter is a blessing from Allah, but it can be tough when you can't afford heating or blankets."
Abo Ahmad's family faced many challenges, especially during the winter season. They didn't have access to heating, and the cold water made their daily prayers and routine chores difficult. Abo Ahmad, who suffered from chronic illnesses, couldn't work, and his wife struggled to make ends meet by selling homemade food at low prices.
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Project Impact:
But their situation improved when Islamic Relief provided them with cash assistance through the Winterization Project 330_000002. "When I received the winter cash assistance, we were very happy," Abo Ahmad said. "The assistance came at the right time."
Islamic Relief's winterization help was a blessing for Abo Ahmad's family. They were able to purchase a used heater, an extra gas cylinder, and a carpet to keep them warm. They also bought some essential items for their household and family.
"Islamic Relief is known by everyone in our community," Abo Ahmad said. "We have not yet benefited from other Islamic Relief projects, but my wife registered her name in the Livelihoods Project."
Letter to the Donor:
Abo Ahmad suggested that cash assistance should be continuous, not just during the winter season. He believes that this would provide families like his with a sense of security and hope for the future.
Thanks to Islamic Relief's assistance, Abo Ahmad and his family found relief from their financial struggles for this winter. They are now able to enjoy the winter season without worrying about how they will afford heating and new clothes to warm up.
Before The EYE SURGERY
Project Imapct:
Wateen's mother reached out to various organizations for help, and Islamic Relief was the first and quickest organization to respond to her plea for assistance through Health Care Aid for Refugees and Host Communities project 020_004027. Through a social activist in the camp where Wateen's family lived, they learned about Islamic Relief and the medical assistance it provides to cover the costs of medical operations. Islamic Relief also provides medical support to neighboring families and distributes food aid packages.
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Wateen's mother stated that Islamic Relief contacted them immediately after being informed of her daughter's condition and requested a set of information before referring her to a specialized hospital in Irbid for examination. At the hospital, Wateen and her mother were greeted with kindness where her condition was properly diagnosed, and they were asked to wait for a call from Islamic Relief.
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The mother said that the doctor greeted her daughter with laughter and good treatment, promising to restore her eye to its normal state. Islamic Relief quickly contacted Wateen's mother to inform her that her daughter's medical condition was approved, and Wateen would receive the necessary support for the surgery. The mother was impressed by Islamic Relief's quick response and thanked them.
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In less than 15 days, Islamic Relief had scheduled Wateen's eye surgery. On the day of the surgery, the family was running late due to their taxi breaking down, and they almost missed the surgery.
Wateen's mother praised the Islamic Relief health staff for their cooperation and understanding in convincing the doctor to conduct the surgery despite the delay. She expressed how difficult it would have been for them to reschedule the surgery, as they could not afford the taxi fare.
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The mother further described their experience at the hospital, stating that the doctors explained the operation in detail and patiently answered all their questions. The doctors also provided instructions on how to use the medication, its schedule, and set a day for the follow-up visit.
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Wateen's mother was overwhelmed with happiness when she saw her daughter after the operation, and Wateen expressed her joy in having her beautiful eyes back. With the surgery's success, Wateen can now enroll in kindergarten and play in her neighborhood without being bullied. Her family is relieved and grateful to be able to return to their normal lives.
Amal During the Interview with IRJ
Letter to the Donor:
The grant enabled Amal to provide for her family and thus improve their living conditions. Therefore, she ended her interview with a simple request to keep providing for more women such as her. She said, "The women of the south are in need of your support to open their own businesses and have a source of income."
Abo Ahmad Cashing his Winterization Assistance
A used Heater and A Gas Cylinder that Abo Ahamd Bought using the Winterization Cash Assistance
Story for the Livelihood Program
Story for the Winterization Program