Written by Sarah White

With the Syrian and Palestinian refugee crisis at the forefront of media and society, it begs to wonder how can each person help and make a change. Or what is the solution to their problems of dispersion and re-housing? Sometimes more often than not they are separated from their family and loved ones, making a tragic story with a not so happy ending.

The United Nations (U.N) have been the key to saving and searching for answers in Syria since 2011 when the atrocities began inside their own country- there has been too many unnecessary deaths and disgusting acts of nature to count since then it’s reported that a staggering 6.3 million people are displaced internally because of these actions. To more recently, the U.N. projected $4.5 billion was required to meet the urgent needs of the most vulnerable Syrians in 2016- but only $2.9 billion was received, showing the seriousness of funds needed to meet their intentions.

H.E Dr. Rasha Feidi, Goodwill Ambassador For International Human Rights- Accredited by the UN

However, fast-forward to today, and they have created numerous projects and plans that are efficient and work beyond their intention. One lady, in particular, H.E Dr. Rasha Feidi, Goodwill Ambassador for International Human Rights, accredited from the United Nations, makes it her aim to produce rehabilitation, and sustainability projects, meaning they help others and help themselves through their craft or trained profession. Ultimately creating a better future, and more efficient economy within, ultimately solving a lot of problems.

Dr. Rasha Feidi revealed to us about the upcoming sustainability project for Syrian and Palestinian Refugees- which include the presence and work of H.H Sheikha Hend Al Qassemi. As well as the facts and figures from across the refugee camps in Lebanon and Jordan, and her opinions and experiences on the matter.

H.E Dr. Rasha Feidi Visiting Injured and Sick Refugee Children

The Refugee Sustainable Project is quite a task, with many categories involved. Which are the key categories that are the driving force? 

The key categories are women and youth, and to achieve sustainable self‐reliance. This will be achieved through mentoring, advocacy and providing material support as needed. My primary goal is to assist refugees in attaining economic independence- establishing a true community and learning how to access services. It will be well monitored and maintained by migration policies and in-line with our Sustainable Development Goals.

Who are the key supporters and sponsors of this project?

Our support comes from different personalities and sponsors, for the new upcoming project we are planning to do it with Sheikha Hend Al Qassemi- she will bring invaluable advice on entrepreneurship and goodwill. We will be raising the money through the Emirates Red Crescent, the main idea is to buy land near Jarash Refugee Camp, plant it (the workers are the refugees themselves) and all the products from the land will be given back for the refugees in the camp, making it economically viable.

A Lot Of Children Sadly Lost Family Members Within The Crisis

How long do you plan it to run for, what is the projected time-frame?

Our plan is long-term as we are willing to buy the land, so as long as we have general labor from the refugees the project will continue. However, I would say six months for the project to run its full cycle, for each batch of refugees seeking help and guidance- who are willing to work and help for their new future.

Is part of the project of sustainability to be rehoused and re-introduced into more settling communities within Jordan or Lebanon for example?

Yes, this project is only just starting, which will either be re-housing or re-introduced in different communities such as Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon, and Somalia. As the refugee camp is a crisis only situation, once they have received help and seem more settled mentally, we aim to re-locate them so they can start a new future.

H.E Dr. Rasha Feidi With Some Refugee Children Within The Camps.

What are the facts and figures on Jarash Refugee Camp?

Jarash Refugee Camp is for Palestinians and not Syrians. It’s actually the poorest camp in Jordan, its population is 50,700 and the refugees need permission to do any manual labor in Jordan, sadly most don’t have or will never have these permits, and live day by day on the generosity of donations. Therefore will not be able to better their future, and move on as such.

Sadly, A Lot Of Refugees Don’t Have A Stable Future