SHAMS project seeks to offer Jordanian village experience by empowering local community

SOUTH SHOUNEH — The SHAMS project in Maan and the Dead Sea area has so far engaged over 500 community members and partnered with 14 community-based organisations (CBOs), involving over 110 individuals and private sector entities, according to Partners for Good (PfG), a Jordanian non-profit organisation. 

PfG’s Local Partnership for Tourism Development project SHAMS seeks to empower the local community through job and economic opportunity creation, particularly in the areas of tourism, entertainment, and agriculture. 

The Netherlands embassy in cooperation with PfG, on Monday launched the Dar Al Shouneh project as part of SHAMS, with the aim of promoting tourism products of the Southern Shouneh region and providing the local community with economic opportunities.

SHAMS is designed to help local communities build sustainable linkages with the private sector, according to a presentation during the event.

According to Dutch Ambassador to Jordan Harry Verweij, SHAMS is focused on advancing specific skills and capacities of women and youth, and assisting local communities with the development of in-demand products and services.

“We are pleased that this project is moving forward with its accomplishments in contributing to the economic empowerment of the local Jordanian community and enhancing its resilience,” Verweij said during the event.

Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism Emad Hijazeen highlighted the importance of integrating local communities into the tourism sector and engaging them with the private sector.

“Dar Al Shouneh’s environmental and cultural heritage components represent a model of tourism projects that is based on developing touristic products from the hearts of local communities and Jordanian families through creating opportunities for targeted communities,” Hijazeen said.

CEO of PfG, Waleed Al Tarawneh indicated that the Dar Al Shouneh project celebrates the culture, heritage, and biodiversity in Southern Shounah, and was developed in partnership with the Greening the Desert Project and local community.

“Dar Al Shouneh gives visitors an opportunity to live the Jordanian village experience, including cooking traditional dishes, playing traditional games, and enjoying cultural activities,” Tarawneh noted.

Implemented in the Maan Governorate and the Dead Sea area, the project leverages authentic features of the culture and heritage with various components such as Shouneh Products, prepared by the women of South Shouneh using locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as the Al Ramah Compost which is designed to assist hotels and local farms in food and agricultural waste management and much more, according to the presentation.

Hala Foudeh, the project’s manager, told The Jordan Times that SHAMS has delivered 17 training workshops so far, covering nine topics in seven different communities in Maan and the Dead Sea. 

The project is also set to benefit 250 women and youth and extend to over 1,500 individuals.

“The facility enables visitors to interact with the local community, as well as to experience and enjoy hospitality, traditional dishes and games. Visitors have an opportunity to learn a lot about the environment and the innovative farming practices as well,” Foudeh said.

Bayt (Home) Abu Ali, a part of the project equipped by SHAMS, hosts tourist groups of up to 25 people, who can live a Jordanian village experience by enjoying traditional entertainment and games, as well as Jordanian heritage stories and tales.

Khader Jahalin, the owner of Bayt Abu Ali, said: “I would like to see our area transform into a tourist attraction. My family and I want to offer a genuine village lifestyle at our home, including food, beverages, and hospitality.”