SEP on CNN behind the scenes: Nawal Aradeh
Posted on November 16 2019
Nawal Aradeh (left), manager of operations at SEP in Jerash Camp, Jordan - talks to CNN journalist Mia Alberti for the Amanpour Show: read more
Nawal Aradeh, manager of operations at SEP in Jerash Camp, Jordan - talks to CNN journalist Mia Alberti for the Amanpour Show:
Q1) How did you end up at the camp?
A1) No one chooses where they end up. My parents left Palestine and came to Jordan because of the circumstances at the time (1968, ndr). This was forced upon them, it was out of their hands.
Q2) What did you think of the idea of SEP at the start?
A2) At the beginning, when I heard there was work coming to the camp, I was very doubtful and didn’t take it too seriously. Many people had approached us before then, presenting projects and promising work but never kept their promises. So, at first, it was between yes and no for me but then we were convinced that it was real and there was trust. We found that what we were promised was executed exactly as we were told and it was all ok.
Q3) What do you do at SEP?
A3) I am in charge of SEP operations at the camp: the core of my job are the ladies of the camp. Taking responsibility for hundreds women carries a lot of pressure. We have a large number of ladies who need work and I don’t like to say that I am responsible for them because every lady is responsible for her own job. Together we are a family and we share this responsibility. So, one could say that I manage this big family in the camp and I hope that I am up to carrying this weight.
Q4) How do you feel about SEP? What does SEP mean to you?
A4) Me and SEP are now one. It has become an important part of my life and the lives of all the ladies with us. It is very important and I believe we have become one.
Q5) How did SEP change your life?
A5) At the beginning of my life, for 15 years, I was like a bee that buzzes and buzzes around without any results, not even any honey. But at the end with SEP, our situation has improved significantly. With SEP, I have a job, I have a stable income, SEP has helped me build my house, and it helped me put one of my daughters through university. Thankfully, all is well now.
