Jordan Times
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
King, Queen Visit Irbid
Orphans
By Mahmoud Al Abed
IRBID — Children at the King Hussein Orphanage Society here were on pins and
needles, awaiting a visit by Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania on
Monday.
They said the Royal gesture gave them a great boost to pursue their future
career goals and work hard at school.
Upon King Abdullah's directives, the society will get JD10,000 on an annual
basis in retroactive effect for four years and the orphans will have
scholarships every year to study at local universities. Four students, who have
left the orphanage, got their university expenses paid in line with the King's
instructions.
The society will also have new furniture for sleeping quarters, the kitchens and
the dining rooms as well as 15 new computers, TV sets, a satellite dish and a
new bus to take the children to their schools.
“I have always felt satisfied with what our generous community has given to me.
But Their Majesties' visit made me feel that life was fair,” said Ashraf Taha,
18, who is currently studying for his diploma in graphic design, while at the
same time working in a grocery to support his family.
Taha was still in touch with the orphanage even years after he left it.
Sitting on the edge of her bed, Reem Musa, 11, said she wanted to become an
architect, while her roommate Hadeel Dardour, 12, dreams of becoming an air
hostess to “travel all around the world.”
The Monarch also checked on the services offered by the orphanage's clinic,
where nine-year-old Ayman Subeihi was recovering from a surgery for a hip joint
dislocation he sustained since birth. King Abdullah ordered full financial
coverage for his treatment and healthcare insurance for the entire orphanage.
The orphanage, which was established in 1956, accepts students from the four
corners of the Kingdom, “regardless of any religious or social considerations,”
according to its director Feryal Jarrah.
Twenty-five years ago, the late King Hussein ordered a JD5,000 yearly allowance,
which helped the charity sustain its humanitarian services to the local
community, according to Abdul Razzaq Tbeishat, the society's president.
Several children told The Jordan Times that they really feel home and family
spirit at the orphanage. Around 52 girls and boys between six and 18 are being
taken care of there, in addition to 66 “external beneficiaries,” whose families
receive JD30-60 monthly allowance each from the society's funds.
Part of the funds are raised from donations, some of which by anonymous people,
“who are not seeking fame for their good deeds.”
The society also generates its own funds by setting up projects, including a
commercial centre compound built on a plot of land donated by Irbid Municipality
— which produces JD43,000 a year, Tbeishat said.