Zaatari, 27 August 2022 (TDI): Oxfam provides income opportunities in the Za’atari refugee camp. This camp is the biggest Syrian Refugee camp in the world.
Oxfam is in charge of overall garbage pickup in the encampment. Also, it runs a recycling program in the camp.
Za’atari is now the biggest #Syrian refugee camp in the world with 82,000 residents, more than half of them children. Without donor funding from the international community, they risk becoming a lost generation with limited prospects for work or study. https://t.co/j7zC9IgaSQ pic.twitter.com/WJmcPMFgSK
— Oxfam International (@Oxfam) August 26, 2022
The employed refugees have positions ranging from managers to waste assemblers and pickers. In addition, Oxfam hires community engagement officers that engage actively with the communities. Their job is to serve as a link between programs and individuals.
Oxfam presently offers almost 850 temporary income-earning opportunities, including over 10,000 individuals benefiting from these in the last 2 years.
With this program, refugees have contributed to the cleanliness of the camps. Notably, they have transferred almost 4 million kg of trash from Jordan’s landfills into recycling centers.
The Za’atari refugee camp will shortly celebrate its tenth anniversary. It was formed in July 2012 when Syrians escaped over the borders into Jordanian territory. The Za’atari refugee camp is the largest refugee camp in the world.
Syrians at the world’s biggest refugee camp face severe circumstances and dwindling resources. The refugees have grave concerns regarding their future.
The encampment is placed 80 kilometers (50 miles) away northeast of Jordan’s capital, Amman. It is in an arid, desert-like environment with harsh environmental circumstances.
Statement by Oxfam Country Director
According to Oxfam Jordan Country Director Nickie Monga, cash-for-work programs have greatly benefitted the refugees. She stated:
“Jordan has a unique history of welcoming refugees and has been a generous host to more than 1 million Syrians.”
“The international community has a responsibility to keep supporting the refugee response in Jordan to share this burden and ensure humanitarian agencies can ensure vulnerable families receive the support they need.”
“Half of the refugees in Za’atari camp are children. Ten years into the crisis, finding solutions to secure their futures is more urgent than ever.”
