Sama

In 2024, the government entrusted the National Council for Family Affairs (NCFA) with an ambitious mission: to shape the future of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) in Jordan. We’re very happy to announce that Sama has been selected by NCFA to lead the research that will map the entire ECCD landscape across the country. This vital work will lay the foundation for Jordan’s first ECCD policy, a transformative step that will not only uplift the lives of children but also support mothers, families, and communities nationwide. We’re honored to contribute to a policy that promises a brighter, more supportive future for all. Stay tuned for more updates ⭐

Last year Sama published a research exploring the links between the arts, cultural organizing and social change in the MENA region. ⭐️ Art has long served as a powerful form of resistance, offering individuals and communities a way to express dissent, challenge oppression, and inspire social change. In a rapidly changing, interconnected, and increasingly unequal world, the role of art as a form of activism has never been more crucial. It not only amplifies marginalized voices but also enables cross-cultural solidarity, emotional engagement, and systemic critique. Whether through digital art, spoken word, music, theater or dance, art continues to mobilize people toward collective action, challenge oppressive structures, and imagine new and just futures. 🎭🎨 To read the full study: https://lnkd.in/dz9iy2R9 Photo credit: El Funoun Dance Troupe #art #socialchange #culture #freedom

5 Massacres we will never forget. #Gaza #Genocide

https://lnkd.in/eaTvSpEh ⭐ We are very excited to share with you our latest research on community perceptions and practices in relation to early childhood care in Jordan. ⭐ This research was conducted by Sama and is part of a larger Baseline Study conducted for the Burden of Childcare Reduced and Addressed for Women in Jordan (BUCRA) project. BUCRA is a five-year collaborative initiative implemented by the World University Service of Canada, in partnership with the National Council for Family Affairs, SADAQA, and the Vocational Training Corporation, with the aim of enhancing the economic participation of women in Jordan by address the most pressing childcare issues preventing women from participating in the workforce. BUCRA is funded by Global Affairs Canada. The paper incorporates findings from qualitative research conducted with community members. 17 FGDs were conducted in Amman, Zarqa, Irbid, Ajloun, Madaba, Karak and Maan with a total of 158 community members (125 women and 33 men). The research explores community perceptions around the use of ECCD services, accessibility, affordability, and quality of these services, and power dynamics and decision-making around the use of services. The report also includes findings from discussions with mothers of children with disabilities as well as refugees. Follow the link to download the English and Arabic versions. #care #ECD #earlychildhoodcare #women #economicparticipation #Jordan #researchbrief #communityfindings

🌟 Why does affordable and accessible childcare matter? 🌟 Quality childcare services are more than just a convenience—they are a lifeline for families. They nurture children's development, well-being, and future potential while empowering mothers to pursue work and achieve their dreams. In 2024, Sama took on two crucial assessments for the World University Service of Canada (WUSC - EUMC) in Jordan. We completed the Endline Evaluation of the WE LEAD project, a 7-year initiative (2017-2024) aimed at increasing women’s economic empowerment in Jordan by enhancing workforce participation in the health and childcare sectors. Through this evaluation, we helped WUSC think of lessons learned recommendations for future programming. We also conducted the Baseline Assessment for the BUCRA project - Burden of Childcare Reduced and Addressed - a 5-year initiative (2024-2028) that aims to drive gender-transformative change and address childcare challenges hindering women's economic participation. The baseline utilized a mixed-methods approach to capture a comprehensive picture of the ECCD landscape in Jordan. By establishing a robust baseline, our work will help the team track progress effectively, measure impact, and make data-driven adjustments throughout the project lifecycle. These initiatives are steps toward a future where quality childcare is accessible to all, and where women's empowerment and economic participation are fully realized. 💪🏽 👩👧👦 💫

🌟 On September 8th and 9th, 2024, Sama led a two day Strategic Planning Workshop for Plan International Jordan at the vibrant Manara Art and Culture (facilitated by Patrick Crump, Jude Sajdi, and Aida A. Essaid). We dove deep into the key components of strategy development through dynamic presentations and exercises, bringing together 17 dedicated PIJO staff members on-site and 9 regional and global members via Zoom! Together, we explored contextual challenges relating to girls, children and youth in Jordan and the role that Plan International Jordan can play in helping them thrive in an ever changing socio-economic-political climate. #Strategicworkshop #PlanInternationalJordan #protection #children #youth