Amman, July 20 (Petra) -- Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa on Monday launched the "Be Present" parenting support project, implemented by the Dutch organization War Child Holland in Jordan in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development and funded by the Van Leer Foundation to strengthen caregivers' parenting skills and improve service quality.
Speaking at the launch, Bani Mustafa said the initiative aims to promote family stability by developing parenting competencies and encouraging positive parenting practices through specialized training that equips caregivers with more effective child-rearing skills and strengthens family relationships.
She said the project will introduce parenting awareness programs in 15 centers across Jordan's governorates and districts, with the goal of creating safe and healthy family environments that support children's development. The program will also enhance families' communication and problem-solving skills as preventive tools to reduce social challenges before they escalate.
Bani Mustafa added that the project includes training and capacity-building for professionals working in the care sector, enabling them to deliver higher-quality services. She said previous implementation had generated strong engagement from participating families, contributing to wider demand for the program and its expansion to additional centers and communities across the Kingdom.
She praised the ministry's partnership with War Child and the Van Leer Foundation, noting that the ministry is working to institutionalize the program and integrate it into its permanent training portfolio to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Van Leer Foundation Representative in Jordan Farah Jadallah said the foundation supports the initiative as part of its commitment to embedding parenting programs within the Ministry of Social Development's service system, ensuring their sustainability and expanding their reach to more families. She said the project will strengthen parents' capacities, foster supportive home environments, and generate lasting social impact.
War Child Holland in Jordan Manager Mohammad Awamreh said the launch marks an important step toward establishing a sustainable national approach to supporting families by equipping parents and caregivers with the knowledge and skills needed to promote positive parenting and children's healthy development in safe and nurturing environments.
He said the organization views investment in families as an investment in society's future, adding that the partnership will broaden the program's impact and extend its reach to more families across Jordan.
//Petra// NQ
