Church Project Empowers Women in Jordan

Amman, Jordan, January 10, 2025: A Church-run initiative in Jordan has been providing dignified employment for Iraqi refugees by engaging them in the occupation of cheesemaking. Spearheaded by the Habibi Association, the project operates at a 

Church-run restaurant in the capital city of Amman. Refugees working in this project produce various kinds of  Italian cheese to supply to the Church-run restaurant. The Habibi Association, founded by Italian priest Father Mario Cornioli, has provided training to these refugees in the art of making cheese.

Supporting the Underprivileged

Apart from this initiative in Amman, the Habibi Association also runs a cheesemaking project in the village of Adir, Southern Jordan, to support local women facing severe financial hardships. Six women, ranging in age from their early 30s to nearly 60, are engaged in this initiative. Under the supervision of Iklas Bqa'een, who has a background in nutrition, the group produces Italian cheeses such as ricotta and pecorino.

Speaking to a Vatican News team visiting their production facility, Iklas shared that this initiative has allowed her to merge her education with her passion. A mother to an eight-month-old, she shyly revealed her dream of opening another restaurant that would thrive through their production nearby.

Ricotta and Pecorino in Abundance

Shafik Shahin, the Operations Officer of the Habibi Association, guided the visiting Vatican News team through the facility, where they observed the cheese-making process. He highlighted that the production facility's location was ideal due to the abundant availability of sheep milk in southern Jordan. While ricotta can be enjoyed immediately, pecorino requires two to three months of aging, continuing its maturation in the facility’s cave.

Looking to the Future

Both these projects offer the women in Jordan and the Iraqi refugees valuable opportunities to collaborate and work together. Although the wages may not be high, these jobs still provide them with some income, making a positive difference.

While some of the refugees prefer to settle in Jordan, others aim to migrate to countries like Australia or Canada. Some of these refugees, who received professional training, have been successful in relocating to and securing meaningful work in these countries.

One such project, led by Habibi, involved training Iraqi refugee women in sewing. With guidance from an Italian designer, the women not only learned to sew, but also created various products, including clothing, tablecloths, and bags. These products were then sold above the restaurant.

Courtesy: Vatican News