Amman, the capital city of Jordan, was a very special world tour stop. This time of year the air fills with desert dust and the tan-colored buildings throughout the city glow beautifully in the sun. After weeks in Latin America and the Timor Sea area, it was a treat to see such an entirely different part of the world, both physically and culturally.
Jordan has an excellent human rights record and plenty of fantastic development statistics to boast of. Nonetheless, the people we spoke to were quick to recognize that there is always room for improvement, especially in the area of human rights. In meeting after meeting, the various officials and NGO leaders we met gave us hands-down support for what we're doing and were eager to find ways they could use our materials in their own projects. We found that many people were particularly interested in our annual youth summit. This is an event held every year to bring kids from around the world together to discuss human rights and the importance of educating youth about the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Youth at a community afterschool program showed us some music they had produced as well as a radio show they recorded. The multimedia focus of the program has clearly taught the students some valuable computer skills. Some other students we met on our visit to a school for gifted children were especially interested in Dr. Shuttleworth’s experience as a human rights educator and asked many questions about the youth summit. They were aware of many human rights issues and wanted to know more about how Youth for Human Rights International is working to improve human rights around the world. It is very likely that one of those students will be at this year’s youth summit!
At the end of our stay, we were able to visit the largest mosque in Jordan and also a traditional restaurant located inside a castle. Both were very impressive and indicative of the rich culture of Jordan.
Below are a few photos from Amman as well as a video of a Jordanian musician we met at the above-mentioned castle. The instrument he’s playing is called an “oud”, in case you were wondering.
Jordan has an excellent human rights record and plenty of fantastic development statistics to boast of. Nonetheless, the people we spoke to were quick to recognize that there is always room for improvement, especially in the area of human rights. In meeting after meeting, the various officials and NGO leaders we met gave us hands-down support for what we're doing and were eager to find ways they could use our materials in their own projects. We found that many people were particularly interested in our annual youth summit. This is an event held every year to bring kids from around the world together to discuss human rights and the importance of educating youth about the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Youth at a community afterschool program showed us some music they had produced as well as a radio show they recorded. The multimedia focus of the program has clearly taught the students some valuable computer skills. Some other students we met on our visit to a school for gifted children were especially interested in Dr. Shuttleworth’s experience as a human rights educator and asked many questions about the youth summit. They were aware of many human rights issues and wanted to know more about how Youth for Human Rights International is working to improve human rights around the world. It is very likely that one of those students will be at this year’s youth summit!
At the end of our stay, we were able to visit the largest mosque in Jordan and also a traditional restaurant located inside a castle. Both were very impressive and indicative of the rich culture of Jordan.
Below are a few photos from Amman as well as a video of a Jordanian musician we met at the above-mentioned castle. The instrument he’s playing is called an “oud”, in case you were wondering.
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