Helping refugees in Jordan
19 August 2008
Mohammed is an Iraqi refugee originally from Baghdad. In Baghdad he led a life of relative luxury as a successful printer; however he suffered under the regime in Iraq. With grave fears for his family's wellbeing, in 1998, he fled Iraq with his father and sister to seek asylum in Jordan.
Mohammed is an accomplished graphic designer thanks to CARE’s training.
© CARE
Upon arrival in Jordan, Mohammed was imprisoned for not holding the correct paperwork to seek refugee status. With no money and no hope for work, life in Jordan was a struggle. He fought to survive by doing small jobs in the local community and constantly looked for work to support his growing family. After the birth of his first son his financial situation worsened and then his son fell ill. The staff at the hospital looking after his son told Mohammed about CARE’s refugee resource centre.
Mohammed visited the centre in central Amman and CARE provided Mohammed with money to buy his son medicine and gave him essential items like nappies.
With high spirits Mohammed became actively involved in CARE's refugee training courses. Mohammed improved his design, computer and English skills and became one of the most active volunteers within the CARE centre. "Things are different for me now, my house is full of love and I am providing for my family," said Mohammed.
Today, Mohammed is an accomplished graphic designer thanks to CARE's training and an integral member of CARE’s resource centre. Mohammed has taken responsibility for CARE's refugee and resource centre newsletter and is renowned throughout the centre for his 'can do' attitude. Although a printer by trade, he can be found attending to electrical and plumbing problems, assisting with training and involving other Iraqi refugees in the centres activities.
"My one wish is that this work continues in the exact same way, so others like me can find happiness after tragedy."
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