First impression of Zaatari refugee camp

It has been one year and eight months since JEN started operation in Zaatari camp in September 2012. My first visit to Zaatari was in January 2013. At that time, Zaatari was still on the path to expansion. Passing through a densely tent area, there was a stretch of land with empty caravans which are ready for new arrivals. In some areas, facilities had been under construction. Chaos was my impression. Since then, I have seldom been there, so my image of Zaatari hasn’t updated.

[Za’atari refugee camp in the beginning of 2013]

Now, one year and eight months later, Zaatari camp gives different impression.

Staff engaging in host community program and staff in Admin section visited Zaatari camp for the first time in order to understand JEN overall activities. Field staffs go to Zaatari every day. Even though they have heard and spoke about Zaatari almost every day, it is not easy for them to really understand Zaatari.

Zaatari was very different from what they imagined. It is a “town”. Not all, but most of goods can be purchased there. There are jewelry stores as well as wedding dress shops. They were impressed by peoples’ toughness that have adapted to the situation.

[Current Zaatari camp]

From Emergency settlement to ordinary life, Zaatari is in transition. No one can describe Zaatari in one year time. But to ensure safety and favorable living environment, JEN is working on what we can do and what we should do now.

Miki Hirose (Program Officer)

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