My visit to Jordan

From 15th to23st December 2013, I had an opportunity to see JEN’s activities in Zaatari Camp and projects in Jordan. Since programs that I am in charge for Pakistan and Afghanistan do not allow us to visit project sites for security reasons, this was my first time to directly see JEN’s oversea projects. On 23rd December 2013, I arrived at Zaatari camp. With my slight preparation, I was not able to imagine the scale of the camp where hundreds of thousands are living. In the huge desert area, there were tremendous number of tents and caravans. It is easy to imagine the difficulties in their lives such as lack of privacy, warmth, sanitation, food and many other things.

[The landscape of the camp sweeping away behind a donkey pulling the load]

During the way to the camp, I heard from colleagues that there was heavy rain until few days before I arrived and that rain water has become a big problem in the camp. Since I can see many other needs in the camp, I could not understand why the rain water was the top priority to tackle. But soon after I arrived, I realized that the water drain ability in this area is very bad. Many refugees are drilling holes around their tents to discharge the wastewater, but when the rain water filled the holes sewage flows back into their tents. Also, the electricity outage occurred and bare wires have caused electricity shocks to a few refugees. I can certainly understand this risk, but realized that things we do not care in our usual life might be a big problem inside this camp where people are running their unusual life.

[JEN staff operating the water discharge work on the street flooded with the heavy rain.]

[A muddy and slippery street in Zaatari camp]

In the main street of the camp, there was a street called “Champs-Élysées”. There were shops selling daily goods, vegetables, butchers and small restaurants selling electronics and also running internet café somehow. My colleague commented them as “people who don’t waste time”, and I was also surprised that people could be so motivated.

[A boy selling candy floss at “Champs-Élysées” street]

[A telegraph-pole with nested electric lines]

We have no idea when will be the day these refugees can return to their homes. But meanwhile, JEN will try as much as it could to support and make better days for the returnees.

Tasuku Futamura
Administration and Financial officer JEN Afghanistan/Pakistan

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