Instead of hitting the Starbucks drive-thru, why not open your eyes to the “real” Amman and its inhabitants? You might be surprised at the riches you’ll find, Go’s Manal Nayfeh certainly was…
Let’s face it: Most of us in West Amman are living in an English-speaking, SUV-driving, Blue Fig-frequenting bubble.
While it’s nice to have our cake (Sugar Daddy’s, naturally) and eat it too — you know, being all worldly and cultured as we cruise through Abdoun listening to top 40 hits, or shop online rather than locally — we’re missing out on an untapped world of culture and richness that’s right under our noses… sometimes literally. What’s more disturbing is the gaping divide between the people of our capital, thanks to a lack of dialogue and understanding on both sides. I’m not suggesting we all act the same, or adopt the same lifestyle habits; in fact, diversity is cause for celebration! But wouldn’t it be nice to feel a sense of oneness in our shared city?
Enter HamzetWasel, a oneof- its-kind initiative founded two years ago by Raghda Butros. With a name that literally means “connector,” it aspires to do just that: connect the people of our city together.
Though it’s a community initiative, HamzetWasel is by no means a charity. Rather, it aims to service the community in a different way: by organizing events and activities that engage Ammanis from across the spectrum, helping to bridge the social divide within our capital and promote a feeling of oneness, understanding, and belonging for all. Through these activities, which run the gamut from urban hunts to kite-making, each individual — regardless of his or her background — feels a sense of value and purpose as his or her skills are brought to the forefront.
Last October’s day-long hunt, 7-Jar, saw a medley of people, of all ages and persuasions teaming up to explore the beautiful nooks and crannies of our city while working together towards a common goal. Facing all sorts of challenges, from solving brain teasers to selling vegetables on the streets of downtown, the participants brought out each other’s strengths, learned new skills, and left with perhaps the most valuable gift of all: a greater understanding and perspective of each other and our shared city.
NEED TO KNOW
HamzetWasel has video online at www.aramram.com showcasting their past activities. Check out the clips today!
LINKED IN,
Become a proactive go-getter!
This past month, dozens took part in activities such as the Hunt for 102 Arabic Technology Terms and the Amman Urban Art Hunt, while groups of public and private schoolchildren participated together in the Jabal Amman Film Hunt. To find out how you or your child can take part in one of HamzetWasel’s upcoming events, or to help plan a more enriching experience for your child’s class trip or birthday party, call (077) 786 8298, visit hamzetwasel.com, or email info@hamzetwasel.com.
Featured in Go Magazine, Issue #4, February 2011.
Go Magazine, Jordan 
Posted on July 7, 2011
0