U.S. Support Brings Community Together Around Cultural Heritage
WTTEN-AMMAN(March 12, 2017)–The United States government and the Department of Antiquities celebrated the achievements of 17 Ghawr Al Safi residents who completed intensive trainings in fields related to cultural heritage.
The trainings were made possible through the United States Agency for International Development’s Sustainable Cultural Heritage Through Engagement of Local Communities Project (SCHEP).
“Preservation of our cultural heritage begins here – with the community. The Department of Antiquities is proud to be building capacity within local communities to empower them to conserve and protect these sites, and for all of us to come together to celebrate our shared history,” said H.E. Dr. Monther Jamhawi, Director General of the Department of Antiquities, as he handed out certificates to the program graduates .
Attendees included Dr. Konstantinos Politis, SCHEP’s Project Director at Ghawr Al Safi, the new graduates and community members. Attendees toured Tawahin Al Sukkar, a sugar mill that flourished during the period from the 11th to 15th century A.D. and made the area a center of sugar production and marketing for the entire region. The tour was followed by the presentation of certificates to graduates at the Museum at the Lowest Place on Earth and lunch prepared by members of the local community.
USAID SCHEP is a four-year project dedicated to economic and community development through cultural heritage preservation and education in underserved communities. USAID SCHEP is currently active in nine sites: Umm al Jimal, Ghawr as Safi, Busayra, Petra, Bayt Ra’as in Irbid, Wadi Ramm, Aqaba, Madaba and Bir Madhkur in Wadi Araba.
“Seeing what they have achieved, their progress and their enthusiasm, it’s really impressive,” said Politis., of the Helenic Society for Near Eastern Studies, who has been working in the area for nearly 20 years and has spearheaded SCHEP’s efforts here since the project’s inception in 2014.
With SCHEP support, the program worked on archaeological conservation and landscaping, produced a walking path for visitiors, installed interperative panels and worked with the nearby Museum at the Lowest Place on Earth on several restoration and documentation activities. Those graduating from the intensive two-month training courses were trained in archaeological object conservation, clearing archaeological sites and museum management.
SCHEP also worked to foster an appreciation for cultural heritage among the area’s youngest residents through an interactive education program. Members of SCHEP’s local staff have partnered with H.M. Queen Rania’s Madrasati Initiative, to hold a series of cultural heritage workshops and field trips for members of the nearby Ghawr Fefa school.
“For some of these children it’s the first time they’ve had a field trip in over two years,” said Bilal al Deghemat, a local member of the SCHEP team who organized the educational events. “It’s so important that they learn about their history from a young age and develop an appreciation for cultural heritage.”
The United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has provided foreign assistance from the American people to Jordan for more than 60 years.