Photography Exhibition Showcases Syrian Refugees' Stories In Jordan

(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)

Amman, July 3 (Petra) -- The Manara Center for Arts and Culture in Luweibdeh inaugurated the photography exhibition "Through Their Lens" on Wednesday, offering an authentic portrayal of the daily lives of Syrian refugees residing in Jordan.
The exhibition is part of the "Prospects Partnership," a Dutch strategic initiative implemented in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the International Labor Organization (ILO), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UNICEF, and the World Bank. The partnership seeks to enhance prospects for refugees and host communities in Jordan through capacity-building programs focused on photography, digital storytelling, and smartphone-based media skills.
The exhibition displays over 32 photographs, selected by a panel of humanitarian experts and professional photographers, capturing diverse narratives and personal experiences of Syrian refugees.
Harry Verweij, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Jordan, said the exhibition underscores the contributions refugees make to host communities and serves as a compelling platform to share their stories.
UNHCR Representative in Jordan, Maria Stavropoulou, highlighted that the exhibition conveys the reality of displacement not through statistics or reports, but through the refugees' own perspectives, providing them a space to narrate their experiences and aspirations. She commended Jordan's continued role as a generous host, offering safety and dignity to those escaping persecution and conflict.
World Bank Resident Representative in Jordan, Holly Penner, noted that each photograph embodies a narrative of resilience, hope, and the determination to pursue a better future.
IFC Country Director in Jordan, Marcel Rached, emphasized the importance of promoting economic inclusion through private-sector-led initiatives, empowering women, youth, and displaced populations with entrepreneurial and digital competencies.
Shairose Mawji, Acting UNICEF Representative in Jordan, said the exhibition illustrates the potential unlocked when children and youth are equipped with appropriate skills and support.
Shaza Al Jondi, Regional Technical Director for the Afaq Project in the Arab States, said the exhibition reflects the positive impact of equipping individuals with tools and meaningful opportunities to share their own stories.
The Afaq Partnership is a global initiative aimed at improving access to quality education, social protection, water resources, and decent work opportunities for refugees and host communities. It is financed by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and jointly implemented by the IFC, ILO, UNHCR, UNICEF, and the World Bank.

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