Our Projects
Al Karma Embroidery Center
Established in 1996 in Jabal Al Natheef, Al Karmah Embroidery Center employs local women artisans who produce traditional and contemporary handmade embroidery items, including everything from home furnishings, to gifts, to fashion accessories. Set up to support women who rely on embroidery for a living, the project also aims to maintain and promote the heritage of handicrafts, offering a variety of products representing Jordan’s visual allure.
Bani Hamida Weaving Project
Launched by Save the Children in 1985, the Bani Hamida Weaving Project became part of JRF in 1998. Reviving an otherwise impoverished region, the project revamped the long celebrated tradition of Bedouin weaving, and helped maintain the social fabric of the Makawir area. The project also leveraged the living conditions of the area’s local community. Today, women from 13 different villages are helping revive and sustain the art and culture of Bedouin rug making, while contributing to their families’ livelihoods. Wooden spindles and floor looms are used to produce quality wool rugs that have gained worldwide recognition for their ingenuity and quality.
Wadi Al Rayan Project
Established in 1997, the Wadi Al Rayan Project has revolutionized the use of cattail reeds and banana leaves as raw manufacturing materials, which were previously burnt and disposed of, posing as an environmental hazard to the Wadi’s inhabitants. Today, cattail reeds and banana leaves are used to produce handwoven environment-friendly products, including baskets, coasters, mats, among other unique home and office accessories.
IKEA & JRF
JRF has partnered with IKEA to empower Syrian refugees and local community women through a series of exquisite handicraft projects capturing Jordan’s tradition and heritage. The initiative helps create social and economic sustainability across host communities, offering local women and Syrian refugees jobs to produce handmade carpets and embroidery items, sold exclusively by IKEA, locally and regionally.