Ma’an, Oct. 8 (Petra) – Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah visited Ma’an Governorate on Wednesday, where she met with a number of small business owners who have benefited from economic empowerment programs supported by the Royal Hashemite Court (RHC), as well as beneficiaries supported by Al-Aman Fund for the Future of Orphans.

Queen Rania began her visit to Ma’an at a home-based children’s photography studio, established by married couple Yasser Abu Omar and Widd al Ruwad after receiving a grant from the RHC. The couple showed Her Majesty around their studio, which now serves as their family’s primary source of income.

The Queen also met with beneficiaries of an RHC grant scheme, as well as leaders of a number of local associations, at the Founding King’s Residence.

At the meeting, attended by Ma’an Governor Khaled Hajjaj, President of the Community Centers Associations (CCA) Dr. Firyal Saleh, and Jordan Heritage Revival Company CEO Muayyad Abu Rumman, Dr. Saleh presented the methodology and impact of the grant scheme.

Initiated by the RHC and implemented by the CCA in coordination with 11 local societies, the scheme has disbursed grants to 124 families in the governorate, resulting in the expansion of 88 income-generating projects.

Her Majesty also heard from grant beneficiaries, who explained how financial support has helped them establish their own projects and strengthen their economic independence.

During the meeting, Queen Rania noted the diversity of the presented income-generating projects, and commended the small business owners and social initiatives for their collaborative spirit. She also highlighted the vital role that Ma’an’s women play in its various sectors.

Queen Rania also sat down with a group of Ma’an-based beneficiaries of Al-Aman Fund for the Future of Orphans, as well as the fund’s general manager, Nour Homoud.

Launched by Her Majesty in 2006, Al-Aman aims to provide orphans above the age of 18 with opportunities to obtain higher education and vocational training. Homoud explained that the fund collaborates with four civil societies in Ma’an, supporting a total of 279 students in the governorate to date, 196 of whom have completed their studies.

While in Ma’an, the Queen stopped by a sweet kiosk run by local youth, Mohammad Ma’ani. The kiosk is known in the area for its ‘harissa Ma’aniya,’ a popular local semolina-based dessert.

//Petra// AF