By : Ghada Abu Saleh
Jordan Daily – Nestled in the heart of Zarqa, a city full of resilience, the Life Center stands as a symbol of hope and empowerment for Jordanian and Syrian women. Established in 2015, the center offers not only a physical space but a lifeline for women and children seeking a better future.
Directed by Gertrud Khouri, the center offers a wide range of programs designed to foster creativity, independence, and self-confidence. Soap-making, crochet, wool crafting, drawing, and sewing are just some of the hands-on activities that allow women to express themselves. But the Life Center doesn’t stop there. It also provides academic classes in Arabic, English, and mathematics, along with access to a fully-equipped computer room to help women expand their knowledge and opportunities.
“Our goal is to empower women, helping them to find themselves and build their skills in a supportive environment,” Khouri told Jordan Daily, emphasizing the center’s role as a place where women can feel involved in society.
Khouri’s vision extends beyond just women’s empowerment; the center also caters to children, especially those with special needs. In dedicated spaces with tailored activities, these children are given the attention and care they need. “The center also took care of children with special needs and their mothers, helping them deal with the challenges of raising their children within society,” Khouri says.
Speaking about the center’s origins, Khouri said, “The idea of establishing this center was for women to find a place where they feel involved in society, respected, and accepted. They can come at any time to find friends, learn new things, and find a place for themselves. It’s like their second home.”
The journey to establish the Life Center was not without its challenges. Khouri recounts the difficulties of creating a space that would truly meet the needs of the community. “When we started in 2015, we had to work hard to develop the community and provide meaningful support for the women and children who come through the center’s doors, the impact is lasting,” she reflects.