 |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
 |
| USAID Information:
External Links:
|
|
|
|
|
The Great Bond
FrontLines - October 2009
By James Bachelder
Six weeks ago I came to Jordan from the U.S., with a great desire to learn Arabic. In several ways, moving to Jordan hasn’t been easy as the culture, local habits, and social restrictions are different from the ones I grew up with and know. However, the people in Amman have proved to be very hospitable, and I find Amman as one of the safest and friendliest cities I ever visited.
After a couple of weeks, a friend invited me to attend a youth event in Jerash. I did not know where Jerash was, I enjoy taking these opportunities to meet more people and use the little bit of Arabic that I have learned.
At the location, one of the first things I saw was USAID logos on banners all over the place. I could tell the organization was from my country, but I had never heard of it before. The slogan below the logo, in Arabic, was translated to me as saying: "From the American people." I felt a sense of honour to be from the U.S.
In the opening area of the event complex, I saw hundreds of youth registering for the event; I knew that was going to be a wonderful cultural experience for me.
The youth received a T-shirt and a backpack with the USAID logo on them. It was amazing to see the Jordanian youth so proud to wear their USAID T-shirts and carry around the USAID backpack. This would be difficult to get U.S. youth to do, so this was truly a sign of the great bond that has been formed between the people of Jordan and the U.S.
The event was geared towards health safety. The day went by quickly, filled with many workshops, lectures, exhibitions, a telematch, great local food, guest speakers, and a talent show.
Visiting the booths, it was great to find many USAID-funded programs. It was like watching my tax money at work before my eyes.
I listened to the heartening speech from Jay Knott, the director of USAID, who spoke to the youth, urging them forward innovatively in the areas of water conservation, education, health, and economic development. It was encouraging for me to see my country take such an interest in the youth of Jordan.
This letter to the editor is reprinted from The Jordan Times, Aug. 26, with the author’s permission.
James Bachelder recently graduated from the University of Phoenix with a master’s degree in information technology. He
currently lives in Amman, Jordan, where he is studying Arabic.
★
FrontLines is published
by the Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs
U.S. Agency for International Development
To have FrontLines delivered
to you via postal mail, please subscribe.
Material should be submitted
by mail to Editor, FrontLines, USAID,
RRB, Suite 6.10, Washington, DC 20523-6100;
by FAX to 202-216-3035; or by e-mail to frontlines@usaid.gov
To view PDF files, download
the Adobe
Acrobat Reader.
Back to Top ^
|
