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#StayAtHome Initiative in Jordan

Stay Home

As a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic many countries are currently under lockdown, and are emphasizing the importance of social distancing. According to an NPR article, Jordan has one of the world’s strictest lockdowns. In mid-March, the YES alumni in Jordan joined the online initiative advocating social distancing with pictures and videos of themselves on Facebook asking their community to not leave their homes with the hashtag #stayhome (in Arabic: #خليك_بالبيت).

In Jordan, citizens are prohibited from going outside without special permission to reduce risk of contracting the corona virus. The Jordanian government has put together a committee comprised of several of its ministries to work on the country’s situation, and ensure that its people have access basic necessities along with the Jordan’s Crisis Unit.

Jordan Alumnus

Schools have been moved to a “distance learning” model, and the Jordanian Ministry of Education has recorded and broadcasted lessons on television. In conjunction with IT companies, the Ministry of Education developed platforms specifically for students to continue their education and attend classes. 

Jordanian Alumna

In all light of Jordan’s national efforts, Jordanian youth decided to start this online movement to encourage people to stay home. YES Alumnus Ahmad Issa shares, “The best way to help our lovely country in these harsh times is by taking the matter in our own hands by keeping the streets as empty as possible and staying committed to the World Health Organization instructions; giving the government one less job to take care of.” 

On the other hand, YES alumna Farah Alkafaween is part of medical team that helps deliver prescriptions for patients with chronic illnesses. She shares, “An important part of our duty as citizens of Jordan is to pay back all the efforts the government has put in for us; the least we can do is stay home and raise awareness. We all can simply do our country a huge favor by doing so! This way, we’re all soldiers fighting this war together against one enemy.” Either way, Jordanian YES alumni have found a way to help in this time of crisis, either by staying at home or serving in the medical field. We are proud of our Jordanian alumni! 

Farah Alkafaween (YES 2008-2009, Jordan, hosted by Ayusa in Finley, Washington)

Seif Ibrahim (YES 2017 – 2018, Jordan, hosted by Ayusa in Fishers, IN)

Ahmad Issa (YES 2018 – 2019, Jordan, hosted by World Link in Castle Rock, CO)


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