As part of its ongoing efforts to provide social support and strengthen community engagement, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) continues to implement awareness activities through the Prevention and Protection Interventions project launched in February 2025. The project hosts 3 to 4 sessions per month and will run through the end of the year at ARDD’s office in Amman, Jordan.
Funded by Amna – Refugee Healing Network, the project is part of a broader program being implemented simultaneously in Lebanon under the title “Community Engagement in Jordan and Lebanon,” involving ten local organizations across both countries.
The initiative aims to support community members of all nationalities, including men and women, with an emphasis on assisting families as they navigate psychological, social, and economic challenges that impact their well-being.
The sessions provide a safe space for parents to discuss and learn about family-related issues, especially those concerning children. They offer a range of tools and skills to cope with daily challenges, particularly those linked to economic pressures and child protection, with a special focus on combating drug abuse. Additionally, the sessions aim to raise awareness about national protection systems and services and how to access them through Jordan’s national referral system.
In this context, psychological trainer Manal Al-Sarhan noted:
“These sessions create a real and safe space for parents to express themselves and participate. In every meeting, we witness a positive impact on families, whether through improved awareness of child protection or learning coping strategies for everyday psychological pressures.” She added: “The importance of these activities lies in their direct reach to individuals who are often neglected or forgotten amid the many challenges facing humanitarian work.”
Participants emphasized the need to continue such activities, particularly now, as many similar projects have been suspended. They pointed to the significant impact these sessions have had on their family and psychological well-being. Many called for younger age groups to be included in the activities, recognizing the preventive value of early intervention. These requests and testimonials were echoed in multiple sessions, where parents shared moving stories about the positive changes in their relationships with their children and their increased understanding of the risks surrounding them. Participants also appreciated ARDD’s provision of a dedicated space for children during the sessions, allowing them to draw and play in a child-friendly environment that supports family participation without barriers.
Despite funding challenges, ARDD affirms the importance of maintaining direct relationships with local communities and continuing to deliver services and activities through its diverse programs. This includes providing a safe space for meaningful community engagement for families, as well as in-kind and cash assistance, among other activities that empower communities and enhance their resilience and stability.
In this spirit, ARDD calls on donors to listen to the needs of targeted groups and include them in the design of activities and services—an approach demonstrated by Amna – Refugee Healing Network through its partnership with ARDD in implementing this project. The initiative addresses one of the most fundamental needs: preserving human dignity, helping individuals overcome trauma, restoring psychological and social balance, and enabling families to protect their members and strive for a better future.
