Amman, May 19 (Petra) -- Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa visited several communities in the Wadi Araba district on Tuesday, including Rahma, Feynan, Al-Risha, Bir Madhkur and Al Quraiqra, to assess social and development services and review the needs of families and persons with disabilities.

Bani Mustafa began the field tour with a visit to the Qatar and Rahma Municipality building, where she met Aqaba governor Ayman Al-Awaisheh, Wadi Araba District Director Nawaf Al Bdour, and members of the local community.

She listened to residents’ requests and observations regarding social and development services and said the Ministry of Social Development would study those demands and implement what is feasible within available resources to improve services in the region.

Bani Mustafa said the ministry is continuing to expand services for persons with disabilities across the kingdom in line with an approach centered on inclusion and empowerment.

She said the ministry’s inclusive alternatives-to-institutionalization programs provide prevention, rehabilitation, community integration, family counseling, occupational therapy and physical therapy services, as well as life-skills development aimed at enhancing the independence of persons with disabilities and their ability to integrate into society.

The minister said the ministry gives special attention to remote and underserved areas by intensifying field visits and engaging directly with citizens, in line with directives from His Majesty King Abdullah II to improve social and development services and ensure equitable distribution throughout the kingdom.

Bani Mustafa instructed ministry officials to examine the possibility of establishing an integrated social services center in Rahma, subject to available resources. The proposed center would include an inclusive day services center, a social development office, a local community development office, and a branch of the National Aid Fund to provide comprehensive social and development services, particularly for persons with disabilities and their families.

During the tour, she reviewed progress at the site designated for the Wadi Araba Comprehensive Inclusive Day Services Center, which will serve persons with disabilities throughout the Wadi Araba region. She said the project is being implemented as part of the Royal Initiatives.

The center will offer specialized and comprehensive services aimed at promoting inclusion and empowerment and improving access to rehabilitation and care services close to beneficiaries’ homes.

Bani Mustafa also visited several low-income families and families of persons with disabilities in Rahma, Bir Madhkur, Al Quraiqra, Feynan and Al-Risha. She directed that these families receive in-kind and cash assistance and that requests related to health insurance, surgical procedures for beneficiaries of the Ministry of Social Development and the National Aid Fund, and assistive devices for persons with disabilities be studied.

She also ordered the construction of a house for one family currently living in a tent as part of the ministry’s social support initiatives.

The minister inspected several homes undergoing maintenance funded by the ministry under programs designed to improve living conditions and provide safe and dignified housing for vulnerable families.

Bani Mustafa visited the Prince Hussein Charitable Society, where she reviewed income-generating projects established with support from the ministry, including a stationery shop.

She announced the ministry’s readiness to support the establishment of a sewing workshop for women in the area in response to their request for training, along with the provision of a specialized trainer in embroidery.

She also heard requests presented by the society’s chairman, Ali Alsaideen, and local residents and instructed ministry officials to study them and implement what is possible within available resources.

The minister met women receiving training in handicrafts and announced support for the training project through the provision of equipment and tools. She also approved the establishment of a credit fund affiliated with the society to provide interest-free loans to women wishing to launch small businesses as part of efforts to promote women’s economic empowerment.

Bani Mustafa later visited the Al Sharif Nasser bin Jamil Charitable Society, where she met its chairwoman, Shahah Alamareen.

Alamareen said the association, founded in 1992 as the first society established in Wadi Araba, operates a number of projects, including a productive kitchen, a playground, financing funds and a library, in addition to a range of initiatives, programs and training courses.

After reviewing the association’s needs, Bani Mustafa directed support for the development of its playground project to provide a safe and healthy environment for children in the area and expressed the ministry’s willingness to contribute to the construction of a multipurpose hall once building work begins.

The minister also met beneficiaries of the association’s services and listened to their experiences with the courses, programs and projects it offers.

Ministry and local community officials accompanied Bani Mustafa on the tour.

//Petra// AF