For years, life in the Za’atari Refugee camp in northern Jordan meant waiting and uncertainty for Aisha*, a 32-year-old Syrian refugee and mother of four. With her husband unable to work due to health issues, she bored the full weight of her family’s financial future on her shoulders. Everything changed when she joined the Oasis Centres, implemented by Acted in partnership with UN Women.
The Oasis Centres offer integrated services focused on three pillars: livelihood opportunities, protection, and leadership. Syrian refugees and vulnerable Jordanian women are offered training in essential roles such as childcare, tailoring, agriculture, handicrafts, and beauty services. The centre offers daycare and after-school programs to support women’s full participation, while employability services like business training and CV writing empower trainees to transition to sustainable livelihoods. The Oasis Centres provided Aisha with training in beadwork, resin art, and decoupage. Through these skills Aisha has not only supported her family but also found independence, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose in the heart of the camp.
Aisha has lived in Za’atari camp for 13 years. Before displacement, she focused on her studies in Syria and never worked. In Jordan, her husband’s health issues left her solely responsible for the household, and repeated job applications ended in rejection. After facing household responsibilities and repeated job applications that ended in rejection, she joined the Oasis Centres under UN Women’s Oasis Programme. Through the programme, she received training in beadwork, resin art, and decoupage. She ultimately chose to focus on beadwork, as it required minimal materials, which enabled her to begin producing and selling items quickly, and provided a practical pathway to earning an independent income. By equipping women with practical skills, income opportunities, and confidence, the project helps participants regain independence, improve livelihoods, and create a brighter future within the camp.
Learning, Creating, and Earning
Aisha joined the training at the Oasis Centres under UN Women’s Oasis Programme, implemented by Acted to learn handicrafts that could help her earn a living. In two months, she mastered beadwork, resin art, and decoupage—turning old trays into decorative pieces and making necklaces and bracelets. The training included marketing skills, such as promoting products on WhatsApp and selling at local bazaars. With toolkits, molds, and personalised guidance from trainers, Aisha gained both practical skills and the confidence to turn her creativity into income, opening new opportunities for independence and self-reliance.
Growing Together: Family and Ambition
Managing household duties while attending the Oasis training was challenging for Aisha, but the project’s childcare services made it possible. Her four children participated in educational and recreational activities at the centre, boosting their confidence and social skills. Her son, enrolled in tutoring sessions, became more sociable and made new friends. For Aisha, the training offered more than skill-building—it became a safe space to overcome shyness, share ideas, and connect with others. She learned to organise her time effectively, balancing her family’s needs while pursuing her ambitions and building a brighter future..
From Learning to Leading
After completing the training, Aisha began selling bead bracelets and other crafts. She chose beadwork because it requires minimal materials and allows her to start producing and selling items quickly. While material costs limit production, she continues creating and selling gradually, encouraged by friends and neighbours. The training not only gave her practical skills but also built her confidence, friendships, and hope for the future. Aisha is currently focusing on developing her craft business in Za’atari Camp, as her husband’s treatment is not available or affordable in Syria, but she dreams of one day opening a small shop—either in Za’atari or eventually in Syria—where she can expand her craft business. She now encourages other women to join such programs, calling them “a great opportunity to learn, earn, and grow.
UN Women’s Oasis programme, implemented by Acted has transformed Aisha’s life, allowing her to contribute to her family’s income and overcome years of uncertainty. Beyond financial support, the program nurtured resilience, creativity, and social connections. With ongoing guidance and access to resources, women like Aisha can turn small beginnings into sustainable businesses, creating lasting positive change for their families and communities. The project’s continued impact promises to empower more women, foster independence, and strengthen the social and economic fabric of Za’atari Refugee camp.
*Name has been change to protect the individual’s privacy.