As if trying to make a new life in a new country was not enough, Salma (not her real name) also supports her elderly parents and young nephews and nieces, after their mother passed. Originally from Syria, Salma was in desperate need of a stable income to meet the basic needs of all of those she cares for. “I felt the heavy weight of responsibility on my shoulders,” said Salma.
Then Salma heard about an IOCC project, funded by the Austrian Development Agency, that provides grants and training to refugee and vulnerable Jordanian women to repair and renovate housing in their communities.
“After the training and the grant, my life completely changed. I bought my tools and the tablet. Now, I can offer my services to the neighbors to fix things that break in their homes. This project gave me a sense of security; wherever I go, I now know how to find work and be financially independent. I feel proud, accomplished, and completely independent,” she said.
