Chat n' Chew Advocacy Campaign

Fostering Dialogue and Community Resilience

In the challenging landscape of refugee life, creating spaces for open dialogue is not just important—it’s essential. The Friedrich Naumann Foundation's "Chat and Chew" initiative serves as a beacon of hope and connection, bringing together local and refugee communities to discuss the pressing issues they face daily. On May 17, 2024, and June 7, 2024, two such sessions were held in Zarqa Governorate and Jerash Camp, respectively. These events not only highlighted the challenges in education and employment but also showcased the resilience and determination of the participants. Through communal cooking and heartfelt discussions, these sessions provided a platform for voices often unheard, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

The Zarqa Session: Navigating Challenges in Education and Employment

The fourth "Chat and Chew" session took place on May 17, 2024, at a safe venue in Zarqa Governorate. This event brought together local residents and refugees, united by their desire to discuss issues that deeply impact their lives—economics, politics, and education.

The session was opened by Lillian Haddad, the refugee projects coordinator at the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, who welcomed the participants warmly. Dr. Khaled, the co-moderator, emphasized the importance of creating a comfortable and anonymous environment for open discussions. Participants introduced themselves by sharing their favorite foods and personal experiences, setting the stage for a deeply personal and engaging dialogue.

One of the primary topics of discussion was the struggle for educational opportunities. Majdoline, a young Syrian woman and a pharmacy diploma graduate, shared her frustration with the lack of scholarships that prevented her from pursuing higher education. Her story resonated with many in the room, particularly those who have faced similar barriers.

Muhammad, an experienced worker in humanitarian organizations, added to this narrative by discussing the economic challenges exacerbated by global issues such as the Ukrainian war. He highlighted how the financial support for refugees has remained stagnant despite rising costs, making it increasingly difficult to sustain their livelihoods.

The dialogue also touched on the barriers to employment, with participants like Asmaa expressing the difficulties in obtaining work permits and practicing their professions. These discussions were not just about airing grievances but also about seeking collective solutions and support mechanisms to overcome these challenges.

The Jerash Session: Resilience in the Face of Adversity

The fifth "Chat and Chew" session on June 7, 2024, took place at Jerash Camp, focusing on the intertwined issues of education and employment. Hosted at Amal for Education Training and Development, this session brought together residents of the camp to discuss the systemic barriers they face daily.

Moderated by Khaled Selim, the session began with a clear purpose: to discuss the impact of government policies on education and employment. The participants shared stories that reflected not just the challenges but also their resilience in overcoming them.

Mona, a young woman from the camp, spoke about the cultural barriers that often prevent girls from pursuing education or employment. Despite these challenges, she became a volunteer and activist, demonstrating her determination to break through the restrictions imposed by her community.

Another participant, Ataa, emphasized the scarcity of educational opportunities within the camp, highlighting the intense competition for the few available grants. Abdullah, a 21-year-old from Gaza, shared his experience of being rejected for a job due to the lack of a national number, a story that underscored the systemic hurdles many refugees face.

The session also featured inspiring stories of personal triumph. Etemad, another participant from Gaza, narrated her journey from tailoring clothes to raising livestock and later, to embroidery. Her story was a testament to the adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit of the camp’s residents.

These "Chat and Chew" sessions are more than just events; they are lifelines for many refugees seeking a sense of normalcy and connection in an otherwise turbulent existence. The stories shared during these sessions reveal the deep-rooted challenges faced by refugees, from the lack of educational opportunities to the barriers in securing employment. Yet, they also highlight the resilience and determination of these communities.

The collective discussions led to the endorsement of 25 recommendations in Zarqa, aimed at improving the situation for refugees in Jordan. These recommendations were compiled into an online petition, symbolizing the participants' commitment to advocating for systemic change.

Nevertheless, the "Chat and Chew" sessions illustrate the power of dialogue in fostering community resilience. By providing a platform for open discussion, these sessions not only address immediate challenges but also pave the way for broader advocacy and change. The participants' stories remind us that while the road ahead is fraught with challenges, it is also lined with hope, resilience, and the potential for a brighter, more inclusive future.