Even in winter, the natural beauty of the Jordanian desert is breathtaking. But, for many families living there, winter brings a different reality – biting wind, meager shelters, and dwindling food supplies. More than familiar with their struggles, every year without fail, Tzu Chi volunteers set out to distribute relief supplies to those who live on the edge of society.

In November and December 2023, Tzu Chi Jordan embarked on their annual winter relief mission, reaching 8,258 individuals from 1,508 families across 21 locations. Scattered across Jordan in isolated areas, the furthest is Althogra and Abbasyia, a 560-kilometer round trip from the capital city of Amman; 91 Bedouin families live there. Then there are the Ghawr Safi and Jordan Valley regions to the north and south of the Dead Sea where 1,200 families live. Finally, to the north near the Syrian border is Mafraq, live 32 Bedouin families and 35 Syrian refugee families.

After 27 years of dedication in Jordan, Tzu Chi volunteers sow the seeds of kindness, alleviate suffering and rescue those in need. They rally more volunteers to join this compassionate mission. | Photo by Lamiya Lin | Amman, Jordan | 2023/11/17

Beyond Basic Needs

To ensure that families stay nourished during the harsh winter months, volunteers prepare 20kg packages containing essentials like rice, sugar, lentils, tahini, chickpeas, cooking oil and more. But the care extends further with warm winter clothing to shielding children from the cold, replacing worn-out jackets and bringing smiles to their faces. New shoes, a seemingly simple gift, become cherished possessions, replacing worn-out pairs and restoring a sense of dignity.

Along the southern shore of the Dead Sea is Ghawr Safi, known for its scorching temperatures. Since 2010, volunteers in Jordan have been distributing food packages twice a year as well as giving school supplies once a year – a highly anticipated moment for residents and children. The inhabitants of this area are predominantly Jordanian farmers of African descent. Here, Tzu Chi helps 600 families who face challenging conditions.

Certified volunteer, Mohamed Khir Alriz (left) respectfully read Master Cheng Yen's blessings to all. | Photo by Chiou-hwa Chen | Mafraq, Jordan | 2023/12/08


Education Transforms Lives

Residents in these areas are primarily farm hands who rely on occasional labor for meager income. With limited resources, they struggle to support their children’s education, with even school bags considered a luxury. Winter distributions go beyond providing food packages; they also include much-awaited new shoes for the children.

University students receiving scholarships from Tzu Chi also take time from their studies to volunteer. Witnessing the hardship of others, they realize their own blessings and in turn express their love. | Photo by Liu Jin-mei | Jordan | 2023/11/10

Since 2002, volunteers have been dedicated to caring for the southern rural areas, conducting large-scale distributions twice a year for 90 households. Due to the remote location, the government-provided breakfast for 150 students in the two schools is limited to a single date biscuit each day. Since 2017, Chiou-hwa Chen (陳秋華), CEO of Tzu Chi Jordan, sought support from Taiwanese volunteers to provide breakfast funds and improve nutrition for children, resulting in significant improvements in their health.

Tzu Chi has been providing care in the southern desert region of Jordan since 2002. Twice a year, large-scale distributions benefit 90 households in Althogra and Abbasyia, home to impoverished Bedouins in Jordan. | Photo by Chiou-hwa Chen | Jordan | 2023/11/24

One example of how small acts can transform the fate of these children in the desert of Abbasiya is Mohammad Almanajaa. In the 2022 university entrance exam, he achieved an impressive score of 95, enabling him to enter university to study accounting. His inspirational story of overcoming adversity has encouraged local children to strive for success even in challenging environments.

Growing up in the isolated desert community of Abbasiya, Mohammad Almanajaa (second from the right,) scored 95 in his university entrance exam and is now studying accounting. | Photo from Tzu Chi Jordan | 2023/11/24

Healthcare Reaches the Underserved

As well as making the distributions, Tzu Chi volunteers conducted a dental outreach on November 24 in the southern rural areas of Jordan, led by Dr. Amjad Othman and seven dentists; they provided dental services to 142 residents in Althogra. Dr. Michael Al Madani also joined, addressing the scarcity of medical resources, particularly in dental care. Tzu Chi's clinics include general health check-ups, dental services, and education on oral hygiene -- these greatly benefit the local community.

There is a shortage of medical resources in the south, especially for dental care. Tzu Chi dental clinics have been of significant assistance to the locals. | Photo by Chiou-hwa Chen | Jordan | 2023/11/24

On the way to Althogra for free clinics and distributions, the doctors personally prepared vegetable sandwiches for the children, going beyond their professional expertise to contribute in multiple ways. The participating doctors admire Tzu Chi's two-decade long dedication to the region and experience the joy of volunteering.

On the way to Althogra, volunteers and doctors prepared sandwiches for the children. Contributing their efforts beyond their professional expertise, they felt the joy of being volunteers. | Photo by Chiou-hwa Chen | Jordan | 2023/11/24

Warmth for Mafraq's Tented Homes

Winter distributions, coupled with winter clothing for children, ensure that their small bodies are not cold in the winter. | Photo by Liu Jin-mei | Mafraq, Jordan | 2023/12/08

On December 8, volunteers visited two areas in Mafraq for winter distributions, caring for 32 Jordanian families and 35 Syrian families. Volunteers have been supporting Jordanian families in this region since 2001. They have provided bi-monthly food distributions and medical care and have established close connections with the residents who earn a living through occasional labor. Since they have limited access to education, transforming their lives is difficult.

Winter distributions, including the much-anticipated winter shoes for children, brought warmth to 188 children in the two Mafraq tent areas. Volunteer Khader Khalifeh knelt down to help the children put on their shoes. | Photo by Lamiya Lin | Mafraq, Jordan | 2023/12/08

In Huweija, home to Syrian refugee families, volunteers have consistently delivered bi-monthly food distributions and medical care since 2017. With meticulous care and the invaluable help of teacher Khadija Alramlah, volunteers registered patients for the medical outreach, guaranteeing that no one goes without the care they need and a chance to feel better.

On December 8, Tzu Chi volunteers conducted winter distributions in two areas of Mafrag, providing essential supplies, including firewood for cooking and heating. | Photo by Lamiya Lin | Mafraq, Jordan | 2023/12/08

In 2023, additional supplies included firewood donated by Princess Sumaya University for Technology in Amman. With 65 tons of wood, each family in these areas received 970 kilograms, essential for cooking and heating during the winter months. Tzu Chi coordinated the transportation and cutting of the wood; the volunteers recognize the vital importance of firewood for families living in tents. Gathering around the stove for warmth during the cold winter becomes a cherished and essential activity for families in the tented areas.

Initiating Eco-friendly Distributions

During the distribution, eco-friendly reusable bags were provided. They are made to be waterproof and stain resistant, both practical and aesthetically pleasing. | Photo by Liu Jin-mei | Ramtha, Jordan | 2023/11/10

For the winter distribution this time, Tzu Chi Jordan went beyond simply providing aid. Despite having used biodegradable plastic bags for distributions in the past, volunteers still recognized the environmental impact of single-use plastic. Hence, they launched an eco-friendly initiative in September – developing reusable bags in Amman. Made by a factory with 70 years of experience, these bags are both practical and sustainable. The inner layer is waterproof and stain-resistant, while the outer layer features a stylish blue canvas emblazoned with the Tzu Chi logo. Each bag can hold up to12 kilograms (26.45 lbs), making them ideal for carrying the heavier food packages, which normally weigh between 20 to 22 kilograms (44 to 48.5 lbs).

More than just functional, these eco-bags promote environmental responsibility by reducing plastic waste. Recipients appreciate their durability and reusability, opting for them over flimsy plastic bags. After each distribution, the bags are collected and stored, ready for their next mission. This innovative approach not only provides essential supplies but also fosters a culture of sustainability.

Winter may bring hardship to the Jordanian desert, but the unwavering compassion of Tzu Chi volunteers blooms like vibrant flowers, bringing warmth, hope, and a brighter future to countless lives. Their dedication is a beacon of light, reminding us that, even in the harshest environment, humanity and kindness can flourish.

2024/01/17|  STORY BY LAMIYA LIN／JORDAN