Road to Resilience: Azraq Camp Stories of Transformation

From kindergarteners taking their very first steps in education, to teenagers eager to channel their energy into something meaningful for their community —this is the Road to Resilience (RTR) project in action.

We wanted to capture the smiles, the joy, and even the tears of happiness from this project, which began in 2016 in Azraq camp, Jordan. Our staff working in various RTR teams shared how the project has transformed lives and won the hearts of children and parents.

Early Childhood Development Centre

Each year, the Early Childhood Development Centre (ECDC) welcomes over 300 children (KG1 and KG2) in camps in two villages, offering classes in Arabic, English, Maths, Science, and essential life skills.

Shy girls and boys are blossoming into confident learners, ready to explore their future. Even parents find unity as they join the positive parenting sessions and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) that designs initiatives to support their children’s growth.

ECDC Village 6 manager Safa Allawanseh shares, "We are the only NGO providing ECDC kindergarten services in Villages 2 and 6. At this age, the brain is still developing, and what we instil now can stay a lifetime. Parents often tell us they see a huge difference between children who attended our centre and those who didn’t. Seeing the impact, the joy of children and the gratitude of parents keep me going every day!” 

Peace Centre

This wonderful centre teaches teenagers aged 12-15 about the Peace Road programme. Children attend sessions on child protection, social skills, social cohesion, and gender-based violence prevention. 

They also receive English and computer skills training, completing 24 sessions over three months, benefiting over 200 children each year. The project allows children to come up with and implement initiatives to support their communities.

Peace Centre manager Qamar Blase had a lot to say about the one-of-a-kind centre in the camp, “We focus on vulnerable children, like those from female-headed households or large families. Children loved the programme so much that absences were rare. When children led their own initiatives, the entire community embraced it and tried to help out. I feel proud to say that I've witnessed children transform completely, now full of energy, purpose, and hope as they feel like an important catalyst in their community.” 

Qamar also oversees three Peace Play Areas: one for girls and two for boys, in village 3 and 6. These spaces provide daily activities such as basketball, football, and learning through play, benefiting their mind and body.

“This year alone, we have reached over 500 children with the playing areas. Here, children release negative energy, build friendships, and gain new skills. They even organise tournaments with the other villages, turning play into opportunities for growth and unity," said Qamar.

Case Management

Finally, the project extends to case management, where the Peace Centre opens its doors to children and families facing trauma or hardship.  Our compassionate case manager, Haneen Alhanaqtah shared her insight after managing hundreds of cases, that least to say, left a true mark on her.

“We safeguard vulnerable children by assessing needs, creating care plans, and linking families to vital services. We also run group sessions on bullying prevention and children’s rights. One story that stands out is of a child with a heart condition who faced bullying. Through group sessions and a safe play plan, he regained confidence and built friendships. We even helped his mother find a cash-for-work opportunity at the centre to support his medical needs. Seeing their lives change is a powerful reminder of why we do this,” she said.

Education and protection are vital to a child’s life and the foundation of every society. Learning is a journey of growth that unlocks the future children dream of and a future adults strive to fulfil. 

Thanks to the generous support of World Vision Korea and World Vision Hong Kong, this year alone, over 1,000 children benefited from the ECDC, Peace Centre, and Play Areas.

The Road to Resilience Project has nurtured generation after generation, leaving an impact that will continue for years to come.