Written by: Amy Kruse
When people ask me what I do for a living, I hesitate. How much do they really want to know? Do I tell them I work at a non-profit? Or do I tell them that I work at an INGO? Do I tell them that Near East Foundation helps people in the Middle East, Africa and Armenia? Or do I tell them that every year, we provide hundreds of thousands of refugees and vulnerable populations in conflict and crisis-affected communities with access to essential services, grants and training so they can learn how to run sustainable businesses, reclaim their livelihoods, and care for their families?
As the Director of Communications at NEF, I share stories and program information that bring supporters like you into the fold. I want you to be as moved as I am by our participants and the impactful work we do.
Which is why I usually give the long description of where I work. And, wow, do people’s eyes widen when I do.
This past June, I traveled to Jordan with NEF’s philanthropy team to learn more about our programming in and around Amman. I wanted to better understand our work and how it impacts people’s lives.
NEF’s Siraj centers were exactly as I pictured them: bustling centers of activity where enthusiastic groups of participants learned from master trainers, many of whom were once participants themselves.
We met Chehd*, a Syrian refugee who transformed her life with support from NEF and the Siraj center community. Arriving in Jordan with nothing, she now runs a successful henna business and aims to expand into other cities. We also visited Randa, who “started from zero” and now owns a salon where she trains aspiring beauticians. Thanks to her success, she can send her son to a better school and purchase updated supplies for her salon.
Being immersed in NEF’s work was incredibly powerful, and while you may not have been with me, I often thought about you and all of NEF’s supporters. Your interest in our mission drives me to find new ways to share our story and open more eyes to the need for our work.
Oh, and if you are fortunate enough to visit Jordan and are looking for a cool drink that will leave you questioning how something can be so delicious, please try a limonana. You can thank me later.
