Dutch Ambassador Meets JRF Beneficiaries Supported by RDPP

Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Jordan H.E Harry Verweij has conducted a field visit meeting several beneficiaries of the “Resilience through Livelihood Support for Vulnerable Syrian Refugees and Host Communities across Jordan” project, funded by the Regional Development and Protection Programme (RDPP) for supporting Jordan and Lebanon. Verweij was briefed about the recent successes of the project as part of its mission to build beneficiary capacities and offer access to sustainable livelihoods.

The visit included a tour of Philadelphia Solar, a company specializing in the manufacturing, development and operation of large-scale commercial and industrial photovoltaic power plants. The ambassador met with several beneficiaries employed by the company through the RDPP-funded project filling white and blue collar roles. The tour also included a visit to Eman Shteiwi, a Syrian refugee who expanded her sewing business and increased her profits via higher production volumes through the project’s support, which also contributed to employing two full timers.

The tour was followed by a panel discussion attended by the ambassador and the Director General of the Jordan River Foundation Ms. Enaam Barrishi. The session shed light on the project’s achievements since its inception and addressed current and future developmental challenges faced by Syrian refugees and host communities in Jordan.

Implemented by JRF, the project aims to enhance livelihoods, self-reliance, and resilience among vulnerable refugees and host communities through two main components: job creation and supporting micro and small enterprises; targeting Syrian refugees and host communities across four governorates: Amman, Irbid, Mafraq, and Aqaba. The project focuses on youth as well as women, who represent 50% of its beneficiaries; working in partnership with national institutions and the private sector.

RDPP is a joint European initiative supported by Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the EU, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. The Netherlands joined RDPP in 2023 with a contribution of 6 million EUR until the end of 2026