Aqaba, November 17 (Petra) – The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) showcased its community development initiatives and programs during a seminar held on Saturday, focusing on their impact across the Aqaba Governorate.

Speaking on behalf of the Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners, Commissioner of Entrepreneurship and Community Development Ramzi Kabariti underscored the ASEZA’s commitment to fostering communication with local communities and institutions. He highlighted the authority's strategic plan, which emphasizes comprehensive and sustainable development by targeting specific groups and implementing mechanisms for active community engagement.

Aqaba Governor Khaled Hajjaj lauded the seminar as a vital platform to showcase the ASEZA’s contributions to local development. He noted that such initiatives, executed in collaboration with governmental and private entities, have enhanced Aqaba’s community development framework and bolstered the region’s socioeconomic growth.

Director of Community Development Waseem Jaraba’a presented the ASEZA’s achievements, emphasizing its vision of comprehensive development through institutional partnerships. He detailed projects supporting education, disability services, neighborhood development, cultural enrichment, humanitarian aid, and sports.

In the education sector, the ASEZA collaborated with the Directorate of Education to enhance learning environments, including transportation services for integrated school students and training for 1,000 teachers. It also implemented academic reinforcement programs, benefiting over 500 students, alongside extracurricular activities impacting 11,000 students.

For disability support, the ASEZA facilitated training programs and provided specialized resources for 630 individuals. Key initiatives included collaboration with the Higher Council for the Rights of Disabled Persons and integrating blind children into education, a program that has been ongoing since 2008.

The Neighborhood Development Department launched the Aqaba Residential Neighborhood Development Award and facilitated microfinance projects totaling JD 520,000, creating 500 job opportunities.

The ASEZA’s public library, established in 1957, continues to play a crucial cultural role, housing over 50,000 books and hosting diverse events, such as poetry evenings and art exhibitions. Mobile libraries have extended its reach to underserved villages, enhancing cultural access.

In humanitarian efforts, the ASEZA supported underprivileged families through food distribution, clothing drives, and financial aid, benefiting over 1,000 households. The authority’s sports initiatives included supporting local clubs, organizing championships, and facilitating international participation in various sporting events.

Jaraba’a emphasized that the ASEZA remains dedicated to empowering Aqaba’s local community and fostering sustainable development across all sectors.

//Petra// AJ

17/11/2024 13:35:48