Zarqa, Jordan – July 12, 2010 – The Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (BPRM) Deputy Assistant Secretary, Kelly Clements and PRM/ANE Office Director Elisabeth Hopkins along with Mr. George Frederick and Mr. Giacomo Hijazin from BPRM Jordan, visited IRD’s local partner, the Family Guidance and Awareness Center (FGAC) in Zarqa, to observe activities implemented under IRD’s Community Based Support Program (CBSP) for Iraqi Refugees residing in Jordan.  CBSP aims to provide vocational training, empower refugees with comprehensive information on Iraq, and raise awareness of youth, at-risk populations and victims of violence through programs of community building and peer health and relationship education.  Our distinguished guests were taken on a tour of the facility, where they observed various classes in session along with the opportunity to meet and discuss with the beneficiaries their experiences at the center. 

Since 2008, IRD has partnered with the Family Guidance and Awareness Center to implement a wide variety of programs.  In partnership with IRD, FGAC has been responsible for offering Health Awareness Sessions, Home Food Production Classes, and Computer Skills Courses.  The center has also become a meeting point for many needy Iraqis seeking assistance and protection.

After a tour of the facility and observing activities such as Breast Cancer Awareness, Home Food Production, Computer Skills Training, and a Music Class in action, the guests sat with Iraqi women for a roundtable discussion.  Together, these women shared their experiences on life in Jordan and how they and their families have been affected by their visits to the center.  At the end of the meeting, Deputy Assistant Secretary Kelly Clements told all guests “Thank you for sharing your experiences with us and for allowing us to visit the center.  We are very interested in what we have seen and heard and will make sure to relay this information.  The US government is very committed for years to come to your situation.”