My day with the British Ambassador

  

  I have lived in Jordan my entire life, but I never imagined that my first visit to Irbid was going to be with the British Ambassador, Mr. Peter Millett. 

 On Sunday 26th of October I left my home in Madaba early in order to arrive to the Embassy in Amman on time.  Half an hour later, I was on my way to Irbid accompanying the Ambassador.  The Ambassador and his team make regular visits across the country.  The purpose was to visit UKAID funded projects in the north.

  We arrived at the office of the General Federation of Jordanian Women.  I met many inspiring women there who are dedicated to making positive changes in their communities. It is hard for them though.  Councillors need to know the rules and responsibilities of their job.  Many of the female councillors find it harder to speak up and lobby for change. The Women's Federation are providing female councillors with training so that they know better how to support their communities and have the skills to improve the governance and services provided by the municipalities.  It was impressive to see what a difference this training can make to female councillors and the communities that they serve. 

  So how did I end up on such an adventure?!  I am a participant in another UKAID funded project.  Radio Al Balad are providing training to aspiring journalists across the country.  They do this because they want to see more local issues - the things that have a direct impact on most Jordanians lives – be discussed in the media.  My participation has meant that I have received training on video reporting and I am now preparing stories about my community in Madaba .The Ambassadors team visited one of these trainings and were impressed with my commitment to the project and passion for journalism.  Through this chance meeting, I was given the opportunity to spend the day with the Ambassador.

     Back from Irbid and into work at the Embassy.  I spent time with the UKAID  team and learnt about what they are doing to help Jordanians across  the    county.  I was surprised that they provide support in 90% on municipalities in Jordan.  I also spent time with the Embassy communications team.  

  I got to talk to them about their jobs and learnt about media engagement and what a career in communications might involve.  

  I am still studying and can't yet fulfil my dream of becoming a full time journalist.  But seeing the work of the Embassy and particularly the projects they support was really inspiring.  I hope that my work will one day have such an important impact on people's lives.