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Ammon News - By Muath Freij/ Jordan Times

MAFRAQ — For Mayada Suweileh, having her children play with new friends was the best assistance they received since the whole family sought refuge in Jordan.

“My children really need to take part in activities where they can let off some steam and just be kids. This is as important as receiving food and new clothing,” the Syrian mother of two told The Jordan Times.

Suweileh’s children were among 40 other youngsters who benefited from an initiative in Mafraq, 80km northeast of Amman, held by a group of volunteers on Saturday.

Alessandra, one of the volunteers, said they decided to organise the event after noticing that Syrian children in the border city do not take part in entertaining activities.

“We met a Syrian who introduced us to many families in Mafraq. After we noticed that these children did not have that much to do, we decided to organise something to take them out of their apartments and tents and give them a day of fun,” the Italian volunteer, who did not give her family name, told The Jordan Times.

During the event, dubbed “Habaybii”, the children drew pictures, crafted simple necklaces, received make-up tips, played football and were given some gifts.

With most NGOs and charity societies organising activities at the Zaatari Refugee Camp, Syrian families who live among host communities in other cities are not given proper attention, she argued.

“The fact is there are many families who live in other cities facing difficult conditions,” Alessandra noted.

Hana Suweileh, a relative of Mayada, said her five children found it hard to make new friends and take part in recreational activities.

“They spend their time at home doing nothing,” she told The Jordan Times as she watched her children play with the others.

Mayada said her children always ask her to buy them toys but she cannot afford to.

“You can’t imagine how happy they were today [Saturday] when they received some gifts,” she added.

Rabiaa Abdul Nasser, one of the children who participated in the activities, said she played with new friends and enjoyed herself for the first time since she came to the Kingdom.

“I’ve been in Jordan for one-and-a-half years and I never had so much fun as I did today,” she told The Jordan Times.

Alessandra said there are plans to hold similar events in the future if support is available, noting that the volunteers learned an important lesson from the children.

“Despite the events they encountered back home, they still laugh, smile and try to enjoy life.”