Perceptions towards UNDP Interventions in Jordan Qualitative Research Report

June, 2006 Table of Contents

Executive Summary The Research Sample Segmentation Objectives of the Research Study

1. Analyzing the Target Audience – Outing Habits- Spending their free time – Personal Beliefs- Main Duties and Responsibilities – Personal Beliefs- Most Important Things in Life/ Male – Personal Beliefs- Overall Morale in Life/Males

2. Uncovering Perceptions Towards Developments in the Jordanian Economy – Beliefs Towards Jordan- The Jordanian Economy – Beliefs Towards Jordan- Changes in the Jordanian Economy (past 5 years) – Beliefs Towards Jordan- Areas that need further improvement – Beliefs Towards Jordan- Sources of Aid for Jordan – Where does the aid go??

3. Perceptions Towards Governance in Jordan – Positive Changes that took place in the Functioning of the Government – Negative Changes that took place in the Functioning of the government – Is the Government doing a better job now in providing better standards of living? – Has the Level of Corruption Increased According to Participants? – Do you feel decision makers understand how you feel? – Scenario of a conflict in a district/town or governorate? Table of Contents

4. Perceptions Towards Empowering the Poor – Do people from low social income groups play an effective role in choosing the member of council/committee? – Are poor people represented in the Council? – Is Money for Services Better Spent? – If your family faced difficulty can you get better help than 5 years ago? – How to secure yourselves in Old Age? – Have their standards of Living Changed Since Retirement?

5. Unemployment and Social Security Issues – Personal Beliefs of the Youthful Participants – Awareness about “DAMAN”/ Social Security Services Available in Jordan – Importance of Social Security to Research Participants – How they look for work – How well are state measures followed by employer

6. Perception Towards Service Delivery of Education

7. Perceptions Towards Health Service Delivery

8. Perceptions Towards the Environment in Jordan

9. Perceptions of Project Implementers of UNDP Interventions – Perceptions of UNDP Project Implementers Regarding the Current Situation – Perceptions of UNDP Project Implementers Regarding the Success of the Projects Table of Contents

10. Perceptions Towards Developments Programs and Interventions in Jordan – Awareness Towards Development Programs Available in Jordan – Similarities and Differences between Development Programs – How they heard about the programs? – Objectives of these Programs According to Participants – Perceived Targets of Development Programs

11. Perceptions towards the UNDP – What participants know about the UN – Spontaneous Responses to UN – What participants know about the UNDP – Spontaneous Responses to UNDP – Perceived Advantages of the UNDP – Perceived Disadvantages of the UNDP – Perceived Target Beneficiary of UNDP Interventions

12. Personal Experience: Perception of Beneficiaries – How did they benefit from these projects – Disadvantages of Development Programs in Jordan

13. Recommendations: Creating the Ideal Aid/Support for Jordan

14. Appendices Executive Summary

• UNDP provides substantial support to developing Jordan in • It was evident that participants were well-informed areas of good governance, poverty alleviation and protecting about the objectives of UNDP interventions in the environment. The “Perceptions Towards UNDP Jordan, mainly to better improve the standards of Interventions” research study was conducted in June 2006 in living of the people of Jordan by; helping the poor, order to find out how these interventions contributed to reducing unemployment and creating job improving the standards of living of the people of Jordan over opportunities, teaching and educating the people, the past five years on average. and supporting and developing Jordanian citizens.

• Twelve focus group sessions were conducted with UNDP • However, participants felt the UNDP interventions direct and indirect beneficiaries, where several issues related had affected Jordan positively by the providing to the changes participants witnessed in their general grants that contribute to enhancing Jordanians’ standards of living were discussed. Several factors, and not standards of living. Yet although participants knew just UNDP interventions, play an effective role in improving the that the UNDP was a great source for aid and livelihoods of the Jordanians, and therefore it is impossible to development to Jordan it was evident that many attribute the positive and negative changes that have occurred participants had negative perceptions. solely to the UNDP interventions. However, as the UNDP spread their network of projects amongst a wide target of both • The main negative perceptions pertaining to the private and governmental bodies in various areas of Jordan, it UNDP and its interventions was the fact that is reasonable to state that the UNDP can find out from the participants felt they do not promote their programs course of this study whether their interventions have effectively, their projects were poorly planned, their contributed positively or if they needed a different kind of means of supporting beneficiaries was not efficient approach in their aid. and effective, and that they did not distribute their efforts equally to areas in most need. • As for a general perception concluded by this research, a great deal of participants have witnessed changes in their lifestyles that were negative over the past five years. The drastic changes in the Jordanian economy have been mostly a source that contributed to the struggle-to-survive that research participants discussed throughout the research. Executive Summary

The Economic Situation • The economic situation in the country has played a major role in decreasing the morale of research participants, and was adding to their worries and fears of being able to survive in the real world. It was perceived that participants were feeling down due to bad economic situations and the constant rise in the prices of basic necessities which was not matched with increased income levels was leaving them stressing about securing their livelihoods. Many mentioned that they live in depression and feel pressured from their families, children and society to provide more.

• With all the changes that have taken place in Jordan over the past years many of the effects of the changes have been positive, and many have been negative. Decidedly affecting different targets in different ways. It was evident that research participants viewed the Jordanian economy negatively, and were more readily able to highlight its weaknesses. Although they believed that major developments were taking place, they also felt that the economy was also withering, which made them begin to lose faith in it. The economy was described as one that is weak, unstable and destructive. Indicating that they were finding survival in such an economy more difficult.

• Several positive changes in the functioning of the government in the past five years were mentioned, such as the improvements in the infrastructure, better health and social services provided to citizens, exerting more efforts in trying to improve standards of living, paying more attention to minority groups, and better trade relations. On the other hand, the negative changes that took place in the functioning of the government in the past five years according to research findings were the increased corruption in the dealings of the government, the unfair distribution of intervention and development efforts in various areas and targets in Jordan, and the government’s inability to keep the prices of goods and services controlled. It was evident that participants felt that many areas need further improving in Jordan, especially the educational and agricultural sectors which were amongst the top two areas according to research findings. Executive Summary

• When participants were asked about the most important things in their lives, it was evident that the majority of all research participants mentioned that their families, religious beliefs, education, stable employment and their health. However, in all focus group sessions conducted, all participants stated with mockery and confusion “Where does all the aid go?” as it was evident that they did not feel the aid was directly affecting them or contributing to improving the things that they valued in life.

• According to a majority of research participants, the government was currently doing a worse job in trying to improve standards of living in comparison to five years ago. As they mainly attributed this to the increase in the prices of goods and services that participants could not adapt to. Other views mentioned were the poverty levels which had risen immensely, therefore enforcing their doubts or participants about the way the government is functioning

Governance • According to research findings, governance had not improved in the country. Corruption, which poses serious development challenges and undermines democracy and good governance, was a major issue that was mentioned several times by participants. It was evident that participants felt that the level of corruption amongst officials and their agents who handle the money and resources has increased.

• Participants also felt that decision makers understood how the people felt and were able to identify their needs and concerns but chose not to help them. According to them, their rights and voices were not heard, and were not of great importance to decision makers. Moreover, participants felt that there was no system that was protecting the weaker segments of an area or locality, and that there was more chaos than expected. The great majority of people felt that they were exposed and not protected by their government. The most discerning fact was that the majority of participants felt that officials only solved problems and issues on a very basic level and did not kill the problem from the root. Executive Summary

• However, in comparison to the situation prevailing five years ago, participants felt that the money that the government allocates for their locality is better spent now in some ministries (in relation to the minimal budgets allocated to this type of development some areas and services).

• Participants felt that people from lower social income groups were playing a role in selecting the council members through the elections, however it was proved that many perceived that the elections were also corrupted and based on many members of council getting to their high posts by means of Wasta.

• As for the representation of people from lower social income groups in the council/committee, it was evident that a majority if not all participants felt that they were not and felt that poor people did not have a stand in society’s decision making process.

Better Access to Support • Participants were asked whether they were able to get better aid and support in the case their family gets into unforeseen economic difficulties for any reason, than they would have been able to five years ago. It was evident that participants had mixed views, where some thought that now the process was much easier and other thought that it was much more difficult.

• Participants were asked to determine how they would secure themselves when reaching old age. It was evident that the majority of all group participants stated that they will rely on social security payments, even though they stated that it would still not be enough. It was also observed that many participants cited that they will secure themselves with a project that will assist them in the future as it will be owned by them and cash flow will be transferred from their venture. Other participants indicated that they will depend on retirement salaries that they will obtain from the government. It was observed that participants continuously signified that they prefer working in the government as benefits such as retirement salaries are provided in the long run. Executive Summary

• Although It was evident that the great majority of research participants were aware of the social security system in Jordan, none of them mentioned the recent changes in the laws of the social security system which detailed the payment plan upon retiring. Many of the participants, currently registered with social security, felt that social security would protect them from illness and handicap which indicates that participants felt that social security is a means of improving their standards of living by providing them a form of security for their future.

• In addition, it was evident that participants were facing a few problems with social security in terms of not being able to benefit from it so easily: employees work for many years on very low paid wages, and at the end their savings don’t add up to an amount that would contribute to securing their future or that they did not have a fixed income and were struggling with finding stable employment, therefore not allowing them to joining the social security.

Work and Employment: • It was evident that great majority of participants that were looking for work and employment opportunities relied on personal connections and wasta in order to find a job. According to participants there were no standard employment procedures that are free from discrimination, and that fair hiring was a concept that feel is not being applied. Participants felt that their employers were not following state employment measures and laws more effectively in the past five years in relation to wages, health and safety standards at work, fair hiring and employee compensations and benefits.

• Participants felt that it was becoming very difficult to find a form of employment that was suitable in terms of working hours, working conditions, salaries and other benefits Executive Summary

Education in Jordan Health Care in Jordan • Research participants also realized that the level of • The majority of group participants signified that education in Jordan was more competitive than neighboring regional countries, stating there were health care did not further improve than the way great advancements in the syllabus. However they it was in the past. Participants mentioned some also voiced their concerns regarding education in vital features that they find to be absent in health Jordan: care services, such elements cited included the following: – Poor Qualification of teachers – Governmental vs. private teaching services – Increased Cost of Education – The lack of functional medical facilities – Increased Quantity of Those Being Educated – Lack of hospitals in certain areas which was effecting quality of Education – Lack of qualified medical staff – Behavioral Problems Surfacing – Poor Facilities – Lack of adequate medications/ treatments – Educational Network Spreads out to Specific Areas only

The Environment • The majority of the focus group participants had either no awareness towards, or were extremely skeptical concerning the government’s policies concerning the environment. Negative remarks and concerns were indicated: Poor planning, Poor Efforts in conserving the Gulf of Aqaba, No protection of citizens residing nearby factories, More focus on Tourism Areas and larger cities, and Lack of relevant efforts towards conserving natural resources • It was evident that they have major misconceptions about the true meaning of conserving the environment. According to participant, conserving the environment started and ended at planting trees. Other participants felt that conserving the environment only took place at touristy sites, which meant they could not directly feel the affects of the developments that were taking place and therefore they felt they were not benefiting. Executive Summary

• Participants and their surrounding communities, had benefited from the past interventions in several ways including raised standards of living through creation of projects, learning new skills through training workshops, having access to loans and financial aid, better access to education, and through the creation of new job opportunities, however it was clear that the degree to which they had benefited was not significant to make them feel their lives had improved drastically.

• Research unveiled major problems and deficiencies in the provision of aid and support on behalf those responsible for managing the projects and interventions. UNDP project implementer felt that the UNDP projects were not affecting people positively and were not contributing to the enhancement of peoples standards of living as much as they should stating many areas in the delivery of such support that should be examined:. – Poor planning and lack of follow up on behalf of project implementers – Lack of attention from the experts initiating the projects – Projects are not sustainable and are not as effective in the long run. – Lack of sufficient research that is conducted prior to the initiation of a specific project. – No coordination between the various project implementers and executing agents in Jordan – Lack of coordination between the project implementers and the people living in the local beneficiary community – Projects benefit foreign employees and not locals – Uneven or unstudied distribution of interventions around the kingdom The Research Sample Segmentation

12 FGDs were conducted: • FGD 1- East Amman and Zarqa (Females) • FGD 2- East Amman and Zarqa (Males) • FGD 3- Madaba Balqaa Mafraq (Females) • FGD 4- Madaba Balqaa Mafraq (Males) • FGD 5- Irbid Ajlun and Jerash (Females) • FGD 6- Irbid Ajlun and Jerash (Males) • FGD 7- Shunah and Jordan Valley (Females) • FGD 8- Karak and Tafilah (Males) • FGD 9- Aqaba (Females) • FGD 10- Aqaba (Males) • Gender: Males

Groups 1 to 10 consisted of participants with the following criteria: Age Group: 21-34 (50%), and 35-50 (50%) Employment: Poor Employed (50%) and Poor Unemployed (50%) Additional: Beneficiaries of UNDP programs and interventions

• FGD 11- West Amman (Males and Females)- YOUTH • FGD 2- East Amman and Zarqa (Males and Females- PROJECT IMPLEMENTERS The Research Sample Segmentation

Total Number of Participants • Approximately 143 people from various According to Age Group governorates and locations in Jordan took part in this qualitative research study. 11% 15% • The majority of group participants were 21-25 between the ages of 31 to 45. Almost 24% 26-30 17% 9% percent of research participants (approximately 31-35 34 males and females) were in the young age 36-40 groups of 21-30 years. 41-45 • 11% (approximately 16 participants) of total 46-50 25% research participants were between the ages of 23% 46 to 50 years.

Total Participants • The number of males and females that took According to Gender part in this research study was almost equal, with 52 percent of the participants being female and 48% of the participants being male.

48% Male 52% Female The Research Sample Segmentation

Total Percentage of Male Participants • The distribution of male participants covered According to Residential Area the majority of governorates in Jordan. 7% 1% • 34 percent of male research participants resided 0% in East Amman and Zarqa, this is largely due to 14% the fact that a total of four groups was conducted 34% E. Amman with targets residing in those two governorates. Zarka Irbid 0% Ajloun • There were no male participants from the Jordan Jerash 5% Tafileh Valley. Karak Jordan Valley Aqaba Salt Madaba Mafrak 14% 0%

11% 5% 9% Total Percentage of Female Participants • Female participants representing all According to Residential Area governorates in Jordan (except for Karak) took 5% part in this study. 5% • It was evident that there was equal distribution of 5% 29% female participants residing in various governorates in the research study. • There were no female participants residing in 14% Karak that took part in the study, due to the fact that no “female” groups were conducted in Karak. 1% 8% 18% 9% 0%6% The Research Sample Segmentation

Percentage of Total Income Levels According to • It was evident that most of the male research Male Participants participants had very low incomes (100 JDs and less) and (201-300 JDs per month. The 6% participants with incomes above 300 JDs were the minority.

42% 100 Less 36% 101-200 201-300 301-400

16%

Percentage of Total Income Levels According to • Female participants were earning generally Female Participants lower incomes than the male participants, with 45% of females earning less than 100 JDs a 5% month, in relation to the 42 JDs a month earned by the male participants. • 50% of female participants were earning a 28% 100 Less monthly income between 100 and 300 JDs per 45% 101-200 201-300 month. 301-400

22% The Research Sample Segmentation

Total Unemployed Participants According to • The total unemployed participants that took part Gender in this research study was 59 (which is 40% of the total participants that took part in the study). • It was evident that more females were unemployed (63% of total unemployed 37% participants) than male participants (37% of total unemployed participants) Male

Female 63% Objectives of the Research Study

• Assess awareness levels towards UNDP programs in Jordan • Determining the overall perceptions towards UNDP programs amongst targets • Determining the overall image of UNDP and other main development programs in Jordan to targets • Acknowledging the main competitive elements/ differentiators of development programs in Jordan • Assessing satisfaction levels towards UNDP programs in Jordan • Identifying current habits and trends pertaining to benefiting from UNDP programs • Identifying current trends in the usage of UNDP programs in Jordan • Identifying reasons for negative/positive perceptions pertaining to benefiting from UNDP programs in Jordan • Assessing unmet needs prevalent among current and potential UNDP program beneficiaries with regards to program offering • Determining positive and negative sensitivities related to promoting UNDP programs to target audiences • Generating ideas among prospect customers to assist in future UNDP programs • Identifying and defining marketing opportunities and threats pertaining to UNDP programs • Determine and assess past projects that may have served as foundation for current achievements • Determining how to correct UNDP program weaknesses, or enhance its strengths, to enhance its appeal to target beneficiaries • Discover high-impact elements and opportunities to support UNDP program offerings to targets • Identify future program pillars to satisfy unmet needs amongst current beneficiaries • Identifying how UNDP programs could offer programs to encourage potential beneficiaries to benefit from the program • Recommend a strategy for enhancing performance and strategically positioning UNDP support • Provide a general assessment of the results achieved through UNDP support 1. Analyzing the Target Audience 1. Analyzing the Target Audience

Outing Habits- Spending their free time

Acquiring accurate information concerning consumer habits is vital; such attitudes determine the target audience’s profile as beneficiaries of UNDP interventions. By obtaining such data, UNDP can increase insights concerning current and potential stakeholders. The attached qualitative research study included a sample of 10 focus group sessions. The segment was determined based on participants demographic, psychographic, and whether they directly or indirectly benefited from UNDP interventions.

The discussion groups began by further exploring the target audience profiles. This was conducted by determining outing habits and personal beliefs in terms of what they value in life, how they live their day to day lives and how what they perceive as the most important things to them. In order to assess the perceived target audience of UNDP Interventions in Jordan, the research involved examining UNDP beneficiaries insights to determine their satisfaction levels towards such interventions, and how their standards of living have improved or worsened in the past few years. 1. Analyzing the Target Audience

Outing Habits- Spending their free time Most Popular Answers:

All 12 focus group sessions began by asking participants to verify Reading how they spend their free time. This was conducted in order to Watching TV determine outing habits, therefore, allowing a better understanding of the research participants. Home Visits

Results indicate that most participants spend their free time Popular Answers: engaging in in-home activities, naturally due to their socioeconomic background, and due to their financial constraints. Findings reveal Spend Time with Children that the majority of the research partakers rarely go out. Many Sit at Home/ Neighborhood stated that they only go out to restaurants on rare occasions. Financial constraints were noted to be the primary cause for the Religious Classes suppressed outing habits. • The majority of the research participants stated that they Less Popular Answers: spend their free time either sitting at home, reading, Practicing Knitting and Sewing watching T.V, or visiting friends and family. Participants spend time at home with friends and family, playing cards, or Sports drinking coffee or tea. Additional Work or Study

“I don’t know how to read or write. I only take care of my children” Female. East Amman “I spend my days sitting at home relaxing with the children” Male. East Amman “I play cards with my friends” Male. Irbid “I enjoy picking up a book or the newspaper” Male. Mafraq “I have no free time. With 6 children I don’t feel the time passing” Female. Aqaba “I spend my free time in the farm” Female. Jordan Valley 1. Analyzing the Target Audience

Outing Habits- Spending their free time

• Participants who are currently employed, or working, indicated that they rarely have free time to engage in any activities. Moreover, several male participants mentioned that they spend any extra time doing engaging in free lance work to sustain a decent living in order to take care of their families.

“I don’t have much free time, I sell tissue paper in the streets” Male. East Amman “I run back and forth between the NGO I work with and the house. I honestly have no free time” Female. Irbid

• Several participants indicated that they dedicate most of their free time to reading the Holly Quran, attending, or giving religion lessons. Such religious classes, are held on a weekly basis in private homes.

“I teach the Holy Koran to children in my free time”- Male. Karak & Tafileh “I attend seminars or religious classes” Female. Aqaba

• Most married female participants, indicated that they spend most of their time doing housework, or teaching and taking care of their children. Some mothers indicated that they also teach their daughters sewing or embroidery during free time.

• Naturally, female participants indicated that during their free time, they cook, clean, or even do some sewing or embroidery, which is for personal use, or to be sold.

“I teach my brothers during my free time. My father recently passed away” Female. East Amman “When I’m not working, I teach my daughters how to do embroidery” Female. Irbid “When I have free time I do some embroidery” Female. Irbid, Ajlun Jerash 1. Analyzing the Target Audience

Outing Habits- Spending their free time

• A minority of females indicated that they attend training programs during their free time. One Jordan Valley resident participants indicated that she gives private tuition lessons during her free time. Another indicated that she is currently learning sewing, which she hopes to make a profession out of.

“I attend discussions or seminars whenever I can” “I give private lessons in Female. Aqaba science and math” Female. Shunah “ I am learning how to sew during my free time” Female. Zarqa

• Male participants on the other hand stated that they play football with their neighbors whenever they have free time.

“I learn how to use the computer”- Male. Karak and Tafileh

“I do some voluntary work during my free time” Male. Balqaa

“We only go out on occasions” Male. Madaba

“We rarely go to restaurants” Male. Ajlun

“I play football with my neighbors” Male. Mafraq, Irbid, Ajlun, Jerash 1. Analyzing the Target Audience

Personal Beliefs- Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Participants were asked to mention what they perceived their main duties and responsibilities were in life and it was evident that the majority of all participants mentioned work, taking care of Most Common Answers: household chores, education (either teaching their children, or Work learning themselves) and taking care of their children. It was evident that most participants, thought that it was their duty to to Taking care of household chores ensure that their basic needs are met. Education Taking care of the Children • As for male participants, it was evident that their main duties and responsibilities was their work, that would secure an income for them to take care of their families. Moreover, male participants mentioned that they were also responsible for some household chores which included mending broken things and repairing items. • Male participants were also more inclined to mention their major responsibility of taking care of their families, in terms of securing the requirements of the household, securing food and water, educating their children and raising them properly.

“It is my duty to make sure that my children have a loaf of bread to eat at the end of the day” Male. East Amman “ The duties of a man differ from those of women. If someone gets sick at home, I have to take them to the hospital, I have to make sure that they have food to eat every morning before I leave to work” Male. East Amman “It’s my responsibility to bring up good citizens in this country” Male. Zarqa “Responsibilities are becoming very tough these days. If you have a farm, you need to take care of it. If you have sheep…if you have children….you have to tend to everything” Male. Tafilah 1. Analyzing the Target Audience

Personal Beliefs- Main Duties and Responsibilities •As for female participants, it was also evident that their main responsibility and duty was taking care of their families (both their parents and their children). Women in the Jordan Valley stated that it was very important that they teach their children and help them out with their homework after school. • Moreover, many female participants stated that it was their duty to provide a ready cooked meal for their family, and make sure that the house is clean and that their clothes are washed. General household chores, involving keeping the home well kept, was a major responsibility that female participants felt was their job. • As for the employed participants, it was evident that their career was also a very important responsibility that they had to take care of. Some women were employed in various organization, whilst others were self employed, but they all had to make sure that they were doing their jobs properly in order to contribute to securing their families. The jobs that women were involved in included: voluntary work, making baskets for Jordan River Foundation, sewing, making pickles, and makeup and hairstyling. • It was evident that the youthful participants didn’t have any major responsibilities, such as providing income for their households. It was evident that they perceived their main duties and responsibilities to be focusing on their studies and education, practicing sports either professionally or for fun, or maintaining an active participation in the sportive and recreational clubs they were members at. Only one participant stated that he had obligations to work in an internet firm. “I started working at Prince Hamzah Hospital four days ago” Female. East Amman “My work is very important to me. I own a mini store, and make pickles at home” Female. Zarqa “I make pillows and sell them to my neighbors” Female. East Amman “My main duties are coking and general housework” Female. Irbid “I help my children with their homework” Female. Jordan Valley “ I work everyday. I make baskets for the Jordan River Foundation. I work till 5:00 pm, and then take care of the housework” Female. Shunah “We try to create new projects for the women in the Jordan Valley area. The projects aim to give mental and financial support in order to help solve some of the problems faced by poorer families” Female. Jordan Valley “My main duties are work related” Female. Aqaba 1. Analyzing the Target Audience

Personal Beliefs- Most Important Things in Life Most Popular Answers:

• When participants were asked about the most important things Family and Children in their lives, it was evident that the majority of all research Education participants mentioned that their families and children, their education or their children’s education, work, religious Work beliefs, and their health. Religious Beliefs/ God

• As for male participants, it was evident that their families Health were the most important thing in their lives, and the majority indicated that securing their children’s future and educating them was amongst the top priorities.

• Male participants also mentioned the importance of their health and their families health. They also mentioned the importance of having financial stability, which also falls back to securing their families. It was evident that some participants mentioned that owning a house of their own was also a very important thing for them.

• It was also evident that some male participants mentioned the importance of having emotional stability & comfort. Others mentioned the importance of staying on the righteous path and having faith in god. 1. Analyzing the Target Audience

Personal Beliefs- Most Important Things in Life

“To educate my children. Your “I live in a rented flat. I wish I child comes before you in could own a house” Male. East everyway” Male. East Amman Amman

“Financial and Emotional Stability” Male. Balqaa “To make sure that my family remains healthy” Male. Irbid

“To secure the basic needs of life. When a man has 9-10 children, with a salary of 110 JD’s, he can barely feed them, “God’s consent, and following a let alone educate them” Male. righteous path” Male. Karak Madaba

“In my family, we each have 13-15 children. Therefore the “The most important thing in my life is to most important thing is for them to be well brought up and follow up on the situation in the West Bank. provide a decent living for them.” Male.(Tafilah or Karak) I wish I could go back to my homeland” Male. Jerash 1. Analyzing the Target Audience

Personal Beliefs- Most Important Things in Life • It was evident that their families were one of the most important thing in the lives of the majority of female participants. Female participants mentioned the importance of securing their children’s futures and having an independent family that is stable and secure.

• Moreover, education was also mentioned by female participants as an important thing in life. One participant in Madaba stated that she also wanted to get her masters degree.

• For some women, their social role in society was a very important element. These female participants mentioned that helping others through voluntary work was a very important element in their lives.

• As for their careers, a few female participants mentioned the importance of securing financial stability through having a stable job, which to them was the solution to improve their standards of living. Health was also an important element for the female participants.

• Similar to male participants, female participants also mentioned the importance of having emotional stability. To the female participants marriage was source of emotional stability. “Emotional and Financial Stability are both equally important to me” Female. Madaba “I want to get married someday” Female. Balqaa “ Education…I want to get a masters degree someday” Female. Madaba “The most important thing in my life is taking care of my house, my husband and my children” Female. Irbid “To make people happy” Female. Ajlun “To secure the future of my children” Female. Irbid “Good health is the most important thing in life” Female. Jordan Valley 1. Analyzing the Target Audience

Personal Beliefs- Most Important Things in Life • Family and children is one of the most important things for participants, they wanted their children to be well educated and be able to stand on their feet, so that when they get old the children could look after their parents. Being educated themselves was also important, this means finding better work with good salaries which in turn meant better living standards for them.

• Moreover, participants said it is important to raise their children well by instilling good manners in them and teaching them to be honest. Seeking a righteous path and being religious was also important, which helps them in overcoming their misfortunes and gives them strength in facing life challenges.

• Health was also viewed as an important thing in the participants life because without it they won’t be able to work and provide to their families. Having a stable income was an important issue to most people.

• When participants were asked about the most important things in their lives, they referred to three main things: their education, their families and their careers. A few participants stated that to them sports is a very important thing in their lives, and another stated that being successful was very important to him.

“Emotional and Financial Stability are both equally important to me” Female. Madaba “I want to get married someday” Female. Balqaa “ Education…I want to get a masters degree someday” Female. Madaba “The most important thing in my life is taking care of my house, my husband and my children” Female. Irbid “To make people happy” Female. Ajlun “To secure the future of my children” Female. Irbid “Good health is the most important thing in life” Female. Jordan Valley “Work and my studies are very important to me. Nowadays, we stopped thinking just about graduating, I personally want to get my CPA certification and want to become more advanced in my career” – Young participant, W. Amman 1. Analyzing the Target Audience

Personal Beliefs- Overall Morale in Life

• It was perceived that participants had low morals and were feeling down due to bad economic situations High Comfortable and unstable income levels that leaves them Morale Indicators: stressing about having a secure life . Many mentioned that they live in depression and feel pressured from Fear their families and children to provide more. Mental Stress • A majority of research participants stated that they were Tired living in depression and were devastated. Participants also mentioned that they were living in constant fear, fear Unstable Confused of the difficulties in life and the fear of the future. Depressed Low Morale Devastated • Most participants strive continuously to improve their conditions as they live below the poverty line, they barely make it through the day and try to provide the minimal for their families.

• Trying to figure out how to sustain a decent living is what occupies participants minds

“I am worried about myself, from the stress, whether it is financial, social or economical. The situations are very difficult these days”- Female. Shunah and Jordan Valley “To sum it up, most people are living in depression”- Female, East Amman and Zarqa “people are the same :they are all tired and depressed but their reasons are different”. Female. Aqaba 1. Analyzing the Target Audience

Personal Beliefs- Overall Morale in Life

• The economic situation in the country has also played a major role in decreasing the morale of research participants. It was evident that the constant rise in the prices of basic necessities was adding to their worries and fears of being able to survive in the real world.

• Only a small minority of research participants stated that they were happy with their lives and had high morale. One participant stated that on good days, when she gets her work done properly she feels happy.

• It was evident that the youth had also major discerning issues about their morale, as a majority of them stated that they had a lot of frustrations, and some even said that the situations they had to deal with were very depressing. One participant stated that he had pressures from attending university and having to maintain his extra curricular activities of being a part of a sports club. Other participants stated that the recreational sports clubs they were members at did not provide them with the services and facilities they needed in order to perform better and excel in their fields.

• Moreover, it was evident that the young participants had concerns towards their future, as they had heard many negative perceptions regarding living in the “real world”. One participant stated that he was told not to expect to find a job very easily, and that finding one in his field of specialization was going to be even more difficult. 1. Analyzing the Target Audience

Personal Beliefs- Overall Morale in Life Male Participant Quotes:

“We fear the future for our children. Everyday, Female Participant Quotes: there is more instability”- Male. Irbid, Jerash and “I am feeling really down because I can’t provide anything Ajlun for my family” Female. East Amman &Zarqa females. “For me, everything has become scary (Living in “I’m constantly preoccupied with my work and thinking fear)”- Male. East Amman and Zarqa about it, to calm myself I seek spiritual books and praying” “ One is only able to think how to make through Female. (Balqaa ,Salt ,Mafraq ,Madaba) the day”. Male. (Salt & Madaba) “I am a widow with daughters, and what is important to me “ our families in the west bank will face a lot of is their happiness.” Female. (Balqaa ,Salt ,Mafraq obstacles” .Male. (Irbid, Ajlun, Jerash). ,Madaba) “ Fear for our children’s future , the prices keep “Keeping up with technology and development because no going up .Male. (Irbid, Ajlun, Jerash) matter how hard we worked on improving ourselves ,we’re “I’m really tired, I have 8 members in my family still below the development line.” Female.( Balqaa ,Salt and one of them is physically challenged, and my ,Mafraq ,Madaba) salary is only limited between 90-95 JDs.”Male. “The heat in Aqaba doesn’t help.” Female. Aqaba (Karak, Tafilah) Young Participant Quotes: “We have many problems in the Itihad Club, that’s why I feel frustrated and not motivated. They are not providing us with anything, so I feel that if I want to make something out of myself, they don’t provide the right opportunities for us to make use of” Young Participant “They tell me it’s the efficiency test that will determine what job I will have when I graduate, nowadays your GPA at university is not enough. The efficiency exams limit us so much” Young participant 2. Uncovering Perceptions Towards Developments in the Jordanian Economy 2. Uncovering Perceptions Towards Developments in the Jordanian Economy Beliefs Towards Jordan- The Jordanian Economy

• The following table summarizes the negative and positive aspects of the Jordanian economy as perceived by research participants. The following few slides further elaborate the points mentioned in the table below.

Negative Perceptions Towards Economy Positive Perceptions Towards Economy

Unstable Economic Growth Rate is High High Inflation Investment Opportunities Low Income Rates Technological Boom Weak/ Stagnant Relatively Secure and Safe Destructive/ Difficult Weakening, Regression Increased Gap between Social Economic Classes

“The youth are in distress”- Female. Irbid Ajloun Jerash “There is the upper class, and a Lower Class”. Female. East Amman and Zarqa “The rich is getting richer, and the poor poorer”. Female. East Amman and Zarqa “There used to be an upper, middle and lower class. Now, you’re either up or down” Male. East Amman and Zarqa “We support developments in the economy”- Female. Balqaa Mafrak 2. Uncovering Perceptions Towards Developments in the Jordanian Economy Beliefs Towards Jordan- The Jordanian Economy • When asked what their views regarding the Jordanian Economy, participants had many negative perceptions. It was evident that although they believed that major developments were taking place, they felt that the economy was also withering. The negative perceptions research participants had indicates a concern for the economy in which they seem to be losing faith in.

• With all the changes that have taken place in Jordan over the past years many of the effects of the changes have been positive, and many have been negative. Decidedly affecting different targets in different ways. As for research participants, which represent the general public, it was evident that they viewed the economy negatively, and were more readily able to highlight its weaknesses.

• Participants, both male and female, described the economy as one that is weak, unstable and destructive. Indicating that they were finding survival in such an economy more difficult.

• The major concern that was mentioned by a great majority of participants was the increase in the prices of goods and services. They attributed the major developments in our economy as a factor that is negatively affecting them as they were unable to sustain their daily livelihoods with the great increase in prices. (The inflation rate, according to the last official figures retrieved by the Jordan Economic and Commerce Bureau, Embassy of Jordan in Washington has risen by 4.1 percent between the years 2000 to April 2006).

• Participants also indicated that the average salaries received were very low, and this coupled with the rising prices was perceived as a very negative feature of the economy. Participant also indicated that the rise in rise in prices rates was not complimented by an increase in salaries, which contributed to them having to have lower standards of living. (According the DOS, the average wage per employee for various blue collar jobs ranges from only 99 JODs to 160 JODs on average- 2003). 2. Uncovering Perceptions Towards Developments in the Jordanian Economy Beliefs Towards Jordan- The Jordanian Economy (cont.) • It was also evident that the majority of participants described the Jordanian economy as one that had huge gaps between the various social classes, and indicated that the middle-class group was slowly fading away, leaving the gap between the rich and the poor very huge.

• Clearly, participants felt that the Jordanian economy and all its changes and developments was affecting them negatively. They believed that the Jordanian citizens from lower income groups were the ones that were paying the price of all the improvements that were taking place in the economy on a macro level.

• The increasing unemployment, along with the rise in prices and the gap between social groups were all leading to an economy, which they believed to be reclining.

More Positive Features of the Jordanian Economy • It was observed that research participants were also aware that the economic growth rate was escalating. They did not neglect the positive features of the Jordanian economy, such as the boom in investment opportunities and the increasing number of projects being established in Jordan. However, it was evident that lower income groups were unable to claim that these developments had any positive impact on their personal lives. On the contrary, as previously mentioned, these people were the ones to suffer.

• Most participants from various governorates and districts agreed that the Jordanian economy has witnessed great advancements in the fields of Information Technology (IT), and that the technological boom was a great feature of the economy. 2. Uncovering Perceptions Towards Developments in the Jordanian Economy

• In addition, the issue of security was mentioned, and it was clear that participants praised the stability and safety that the Jordanians live in in comparison to regional countries that were witnessing more difficult situations of wars, political conflict, terrorism…etc. (According to the Department of Statistics in Jordan, even the general crimes in the Kingdom has decreased by almost 1000 crimes between the years 2002 (30,858 crimes) to 2004 (29,927 crimes)).

• Research participants also mentioned that the improvements in the Jordanian economy were due to the fact that Jordan was trying to stay ahead with the developments going around in neighboring countries. Moreover, they mentioned that His Majesty was always trying to broaden their horizons by creating better opportunities to advance the Jordanian economy.

•The young participants felt that the Jordanian economy was improving and booming at a very great speed in terms of economic development. Participant mentioned the following views regarding the Jordanian economy: – The sudden boom in the Jordanian Economy – The fading of the Middle-Class income group, and increase of the gap between the rich and the poor. – The growth in Real Estate Developments, specifically in Aqaba

Now there's an economic boom, but we fear the future. Anything could happen, because after every boom there is a recession!- Young Participant, W. Amman There are people in the middle class that are getting richer, and there are ones that are moving into the poor lower class. Young Participant, W. Amman “The poor is getting poorer and the rich is getting richer” Young Participant, W. Amman When I went down to Aqaba 4 to 5 years ago, there were no hotels like there are now, but now in the past two years Aqaba is filled with new developments. Young Participant, W. Amman 2. Uncovering Perceptions Towards Developments in the Jordanian Economy Beliefs Towards Jordan- Changes in the Jordanian Economy (past 5 years) Negative Changes in the Jordanian Positive Changes in the Jordanian Economy Economy Increase in Prices of Services and Goods Better Services for Citizen High Unemployment More Investments Less Job Opportunities Universities Developed WASTA worse IT Developments No Security, More Crime, More terrorism Improved Transportation Systems Media Negatively Affecting Social Safety Hub Culture Better Standards of Living for Some 2001 More Foreign Workers Peoples Ideas Evolved 2006 Education More Competitive Woman gained more respect Privatization More Tourism Difficulty of Getting Aid/Support More Job Opportunities New Diseases Youth more aware of Surroundings Political Instability IT Affecting People Negatively • The diagram displayed summarizes the Bad Planning for Projects & main negative and positive changes that Developments took place in the Jordanian economy Rise in Poverty Levels between 2001 and 2006 as perceived by Government Policy for Conserving research participants. The following few Environment slides further elaborate the points Population Increased Vastly mentioned in the diagram. 2. Uncovering Perceptions Towards Developments in the Jordanian Economy Beliefs Towards Jordan- Changes in the Jordanian Economy (past 5 years)

• Participants were asked to describe the changes they had witnessed in the Jordanian economy in the past 5 years, both positive and negative. Participants were more inclined to mention the negative changes that took place in the economy, and many of them mentioned that the situation was much better 5 years ago. It was also apparent that participants had very negative views about the current situation in the relation to the situation prevailing five years ago because they were unable to keep up with the constant rise in the price of goods and services. Participants complained about the changes that took place in the Jordanian economy, and mentioned that they were suffering immensely from the latest developments.

The following section highlights the changes that participants witnessed in the past five years:

• 1. The Rise in the Levels of Poverty: In relation to poverty, research participants indicated the poverty levels were increasing vastly. As mentioned previously, they perceived the middle class social group to be deteriorating, and witnessed a great struggle in trying to get themselves out of the threat of becoming classified as targets below the poverty line. Moreover, participants perceived the changes in the economy as ones that do not cater to the needs of people from lower social income groups, as they mentioned that there were no recreational areas or facilities to serve the needs of these people.

• 2. Rapid Growth in Population: According to a report published by USAID in Jordan, Jordan’s growing population has now reached 5.29 million. While the total fertility rate has declined to 3.5%, with a population growth rate of 2.5% the population is still expected to double by 2026. 2. Uncovering Perceptions Towards Developments in the Jordanian Economy

• 3. Rise in unemployment Levels and lack of employment Opportunities: Moreover, it is evident that the perceived lack of job opportunities and high rates of unemployment and the stricter required for more skilled workers all contributed towards the difficulties in being able to generate more incomes. Moreover, not only did participants highlight the rise in prices, they also mentioned the fact that their salaries were stuck at the same rates they were years ago, and were not rising in order to compensate for the rise in prices.

• Some participants also mentioned the increase of foreign laborers in Jordan, which they felt took away from opportunities that were open to them. A few participants, mentioned that many new job opportunities were created, however they were not the direct beneficiaries of such opportunities.

• According to the Economic and Commerce Bureau- Jordanian Embassy in Washington, the unemployment rate had shown improvements in the year 2004 (lowest rate recorded at 12.5%), but the rate rose to 14.8 in April 2006. (see table below)

Unemployment Rates 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Nov.2005 April 2006 Unemployment 13.4 13.7 14.7 15.3 14.5 12.5 13.3 14.8 Rate (%) 2. Uncovering Perceptions Towards Developments in the Jordanian Economy Beliefs Towards Jordan- Changes in the Jordanian Economy (past 5 years)

• 4. Education is becoming more competitive: The majority of participants agreed that the educational system was becoming more competitive and was demanding further requirements from students. It was also evident that participants believed that the number of universities were increasing, however as shown in other sections of this report it is evident the majority of educational opportunities are concentrated in the major governorates and cities. Additionally, participants perceived the cost of education to have risen immensely over the past 5 years. (Literacy Rate in 2005 was 92.4% according to UNESCO) • Moreover, research participants perceived the level of education to have improved vastly in the past five years, and also mentioned that a positive feature of the system was the transition of teaching students the English language, therefore enabling them to become more adapted to the labor markets that were requiring more of the employee.

• 5. Inflation Rate Rising at a pace the citizen is unable to cope with: One of the major changes witnessed by research participants was the rapid incline in the prices in the Jordanian market. All participants stated that the most negative aspect of the changes that occurred in the Jordanian economy over the past five years was inflation (which as shown in the table below has drastically gone up). Moreover, according to another source, the Federation of International Trade Association (FITA), the inflation rate as of February 2006 was 8.4%.

Inflation Rates in Jordan (1999-2006apr)- Jordan Economic and Commerce Bureau, Embassy of Jordan in Washington 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 April 2006 Inflation (%) 0.6 0.7 1.8 1.8 2.3 3.4 3.4 4.8 2. Uncovering Perceptions Towards Developments in the Jordanian Economy Beliefs Towards Jordan- Changes in the Jordanian Economy (past 5 years)- Cont.

• 6. Governance: The main discerning element was the frequently mentioned word “wasta”. Wasta as defined by the UNDP human development report is the “connections” (family or social) which enable an individual to bypass normal procedure in order to attain certain privileges and benefits. Wasta is seen as a form of corruption, and a majority of participants mentioned that it was playing a bigger role in how individuals in the Jordanian society operate. On the other hand, participants in Aqaba mentioned that there was more attention from the authorities in order o raise awareness of the developments going on in the country amongst the general public.

• 7. Privatization as a newly introduced concept to the Jordanian Economy: Research participants highlighted the fact that many of Jordan’s basic amenity providers that were previously owned by the government are now privatized. This according to research participants was a negative element, as they believed that the government could handle these services better, and would not allow the private sector competition to raise the prices of such services that were essential to their every day lives. 2. Uncovering Perceptions Towards Developments in the Jordanian Economy Beliefs Towards Jordan- Changes in the Jordanian Economy (past 5 years) • 8. Increased Role of Women and their Involvement in the Economy: A majority of research participants mentioned that in the past five years they witnessed a boom in the involvement of women (which are considered minority groups in the Jordanian culture), in the labor market and decision making. Moreover, the enhancement of the role of women in society has changed the way women are viewed by men in a more conservative culture such as Jordan’s.

• 9. IT Developments: It was evident that the majority of research participants were aware of the changes and developments in the IT sector. They perceived the boom in technology as a positive thing for the kingdom on a macro level, and perceived it to be a positive thing when it came to educating the children to think within a framework of technological advancements. Some participants shared their concerns with regards to the negative affects that technology has had on their children; stating that the introduction of technology has played a major role in changing the culture and thinking of today's youth to the worst in terms of learning bad habits from western cultures. Through the introduction of the internet, participants felt that their children had access to information that in their point of views they shouldn’t have, as it was helping in the transfer of the negative aspects of the foreign culture to the conservative Jordanians.

• Jordan has embarked on an ambitious plan to develop its economy making full use of the information and communication technology (ICT) revolution. The “Jordan Vision 2020”, proposes a clear strategy and action plan for doubling Jordan’s GDP in real terms over the next 20 years. The document identifies seven strategies for achieving this goal, with capacity building in ICT representing a focal element in most of these strategies. This is also consistent with another study funded by USAID (The REACH Initiative) that considers information and communication technology as a vital approach to spearheading economic growth in Jordan. (National Strategy for Information and Communication technologies in higher education in Jordan, UNDP, April 2002). 2. Uncovering Perceptions Towards Developments in the Jordanian Economy Beliefs Towards Jordan- Changes in the Jordanian Economy (past 5 years)

• 10. Mentality of the culture is evolving and becoming more westernized: A few participants perceived that the mentality of the general public was becoming more evolved. However, it was evident that they had mixed feelings towards this change they have witnessed over the past 5 years. Some viewed it positively, and mentioned that it was a great advancement that people’s ideas have evolved. Other viewed it negatively by stating that the youth are being corrupted by their new ideas and behaviors that were trying to imitate the western culture.

• 11. Media Boom: It was evident that participant perceived the media to have evolved greatly over the past five years. Participants however perceived the developments in the media sector as a negative element, as they mentioned that the TV programs were becoming more daring and explicit and were negatively affecting the more conservative culture they live in. 2. Uncovering Perceptions Towards Developments in the Jordanian Economy Beliefs Towards Jordan- Changes in the Jordanian Economy (past 5 years) • 12. Development Projects and Interventions: A few participants mentioned that they witnessed a rise in the number of projects and interventions that took place over the past five years. Some also mentioned that authorities were more inclined to implement projects in governorates and educate and support people. However, other participants mentioned that nowadays it was more difficult to receive any type of support or aid due to the long procedures, or due to their lack of awareness on who the project implementers are. Moreover, other participants mentioned that the projects were poorly planned., and did not take into consideration the long term sustainability of the projects.

• 13. Environment: When research participants mentioned the changes in the economy, a few participants mentioned that the government was neglecting the importance of conserving the nature. Moreover, it was evident that participants living in Aqaba had the most concerns with regards to conserving the nature, and mentioned the negative effects that new real estate developments had on the natural environment in Aqaba.

• 14. Infrastructure: A majority of participants mentioned that they felt the infrastructure and transportation systems in the country have evolved over the past five years. However, it was evident that participants perceived that the improvements in the infrastructure was focused mainly on the major governorates and districts.

• 15. Social Class Gap was growing: As mentioned in previous sections, it was evident that participants felt that the gap between the rich and the poor was growing. Moreover, participants felt that the middle-class group was vanishing. 2. Uncovering Perceptions Towards Developments in the Jordanian Economy Beliefs Towards Jordan- Changes in the Jordanian Economy (past 5 years) Property Boom • 16. Real Estate Developments: Participants witnessed major in the real estate sector were the majority mentioned that there was a great boom in the sectors activities and more international attention in investing in Jordan. Moreover, participants mentioned the ridiculous rise in the price of property in Jordan.

• 17. Security and Safety: Amongst the changes witnessed in the Jordanian economy, participants mentioned that they felt that in the past five years the security in Jordan had gotten worse. However, they did mention that in comparison to neighboring countries, Jordan was still considered the safest. A majority of participants felt that the crime, theft and terrorism have become more threatening to Jordan than they were five years ago. This is evident by the latest terrorist attacks that took place in Jordan November, 2005, that have never occurred in Jordan before. 2. Uncovering Perceptions Towards Developments in the Jordanian Economy Beliefs Towards Jordan- Changes in the Jordanian Economy (past 5 years) • 18. Health and Medical Care: It was evident that participants believed that the health sector in Jordan was improving, however they felt that in rural areas the situation was not getting better. Participants mentioned the changes they witnessed in terms of better health care for certain areas. Others mentioned the fact that there were more diseases in Jordan now than there were five years ago.

• Moreover, a minority of participants witnessed other changes such as the improvement of general services available to citizens, and the improvements of standards of living to certain income groups. In addition, some mentioned the increased number of tourists visiting Jordan.

• Another minority felt that all the changes that took place were negative, and that there was a major recline in the Jordanian economy and its political situation. 2. Uncovering Perceptions Towards Developments in the Jordanian Economy Beliefs Towards Jordan- Changes in the Jordanian Economy (past 5 years) Supporting Quotes “There are advancements in real estate and investments, but only for those who have money. We remain as we are”- Female. East Amman and Zarqa “All the Iraqi’s came here so the prices got higher”- East “The economic boom has had a negative effect on the citizen”- Female- Balqaa “The citizen is working hard, and it falls all over his head” Male. Balqaa “They say there are many projects developing our country, but we feel they are affecting us negatively, and the salaries are still the same”- Female. Aqaba “The citizens from lower income groups are the ones that are suffering more”- Male. Balqaa “Luxury goods have now become necessities” Male. Irbid “From bad to worse”. Male. Irbid “Wasta is affecting the work of the ministry of education” Female. Shunnah and Jordan Valley Positive Changes “The situation in Iraq had some positive affects on Jordan’s economy. Now the flats that used to cost 50 are being sold for 200”- Young Participant, W. Amman “There is money laundering now”- Young Participant, W. Amman

“Its better to work for the government, the salaries are more stable (you are paid on time)”- Participant “New Job opportunities were created, before we had the “culture of shame””- Female. Aqaba “Compared to other countries we are in a bliss because we live in safety”- Female. Irbid “Many new job opportunities were created. The market is more competitive. Now it all depends on how well you prove yourself in the market” Female. Shunnah and Jordan Valley “We feel that there are more interventions in the country, there is a lot of attention to it”. Female Aqaba “We are moving in the footprints of foreign countries” Male. Karak and Tafileh “We are losing our “Arabic” Identity”- Young Participant, W. Amman “Fees for education have risen greatly, both schools and universities” Younf Participant, W. Amman Negative Changes 2. Uncovering Perceptions Towards Developments in the Jordanian Economy

Beliefs Towards Jordan- Areas that need further improvement

Education Education Agriculture

Health Fighting Corruption

Women and Minorities Involvement Creation of More Development Projects

Agriculture Trade and Manufacturing Developing SMEs

Attention to NGOs Easy Access to Funds and Loans

Attention to Rural Areas Environment

Services and Utilities Justice in the System

Tourism Petrol/Energy Resources

Conservation of Historical Sights Water Resources

Participants were asked to share their views regarding the areas that still need further improvement in Jordan. It was evident that participants felt that many areas need to be focused on, however the majority of all participants agreed that the educational and agricultural sectors were amongst the top two areas were attention needs to be paid. 2. Uncovering Perceptions Towards Developments in the Jordanian Economy Beliefs Towards Jordan- Areas that need further improvement • Education was an area that all research participants, from all governorates researched, agreed that the government needs to focus on and improve. Despite participants views about the improvements in the educational system in Jordan over the past five years, it was evident that they were still not satisfied with the quality. In various discussions throughout this research, it was evident that participants felt that the educational system had many problem including the focus of universities in major cities, and the quality and cost of education. Participants mentioned several scenarios were they believed that there were too many children in one classroom, and the price that was paid for educating more children was being paid by the decreased quality and comfort of students.

• Moreover participants sighted that there needs to be more vocational training centers to educate less privileged people that do not have the chance to go to schools. Participants also mentioned the importance of having more specialized areas of training or study in order to facilitate the process of finding a job.

• Agriculture was also another sector that the great majority of participants felt needed great attention from the government. Participants felt that the land, crops, water resources and marketing efforts that contributed towards the improvements of the agricultural sector were very week.

• Moreover, health was another sector that they felt needed further improvements. Throughout various areas of this research it was evident that participants felt that the health services and facilities could be improved in order to cater to the needs of the citizens. Participants mentioned that they were finding access to medical care very difficult and expensive. Also, the issue of wasta was also mentioned as a means to get any form of attention from those working in hospitals and clinics. 2. Uncovering Perceptions Towards Developments in the Jordanian Economy Beliefs Towards Jordan- Areas that need further improvement • Corruption levels were increasing vastly, according to research participants. A majority of participants mentioned that there should be a more strict system that is free from corruption and operates with equality and fairness.

• Participants also mentioned that focusing on the empowerment of women is also essential and should be paid attention to. Participants agreed that women should remain actively involved in contributing to the economy as they have been getting more involved in the past few years.

• The creation of more development projects and interventions was seen as an important area that needs further improvement. Other sections of this report will focus more on the issue of development projects and how they could be positioned in order to provide better benefits for the people. Participants also stressed on the issue of having better access to funds and loans that could support the projects they wanted to implement.

• Other areas that need improvement according to few participants from various governorates include trade and manufacturing, developing SMEs, and paying more attention to NGOs. Moreover, some participants focused on the importance of conserving the natural environment in addition to conserving the historical sights of Jordan.

• It was evident, from many areas that the research covered, that participants felt that more attention should be paid to Jordan’s rural areas, in terms of providing better services and utilities. A majority of participants felt that the bulk of the services were concentrated in major cities, mainly Amman.

• Other areas mentioned by a minority of participants included the availability of a political system that is just and fair. Others, mainly residents of Karak and Tafileh, mentioned the importance of paying attention to Jordan’s water resources and energy resources. Participants from Aqaba focused on the importance of paying attention to the tourism sector as an income generating sector for Jordanians. 2. Uncovering Perceptions Towards Developments in the Jordanian Economy Beliefs Towards Jordan- Sources of Aid for Jordan • When asked if Jordan received any form of foreign aid and support the majority, if not all participants, mentioned that Jordan received aid from several countries. (This is outlines in the diagram on the following page) • Participants mainly recalled names of countries that they perceived provided aid to Jordan. The top two countries participants thought helped Jordan were the US, the regional Gulf countries (with focus on Saudi Arabia), and Japan. “According to the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex, the two largest bilateral donors, the United States and Japan, and the largest multilateral donor, the European Commission, spend much of their aid budgets in small, relatively well-off countries”. • Moreover, a few participants mentioned that Jordan received aid from China, Germany, the EU countries in general, England and Russia. • Moreover, when probed further for other sources of foreign aid, participants mentioned that individuals also supported Jordan, such as Al Hariri. Other sources mentioned by participants when asked if separate entities supported Jordan included the UN, UNDP, UNRWA, and UNICEF. • Other answers mentioned by participants included WEPEA, CARE, GEF, JTZ, FAW and some embassies too.

“The US never supported us, It always gives but takes in return”- Male. Irbid “Petrol should be provided to us in low prices, our economy should be supported/aided by our Arab brother not the foreigners” Male. Karak Tafileh 2. Uncovering Perceptions Towards Developments in the Jordanian Economy

Participants’ Perceptions Towards Jordan’s Sources of Aid

Russia EU

USA China Japan Gulf • The information above was extracted from the OECD, World Bank. The tables outline the actual donors and aid providers to Jordan up to the year 2004. It is evident that the USA and Japan are amongst Individuals Separate Entities UN the top 3 as mentioned Hariri WEPEA GEF UN by research participants. CARE JTZ UNDP FAW Embassies UNRWA UNICEF

“Al Hariri has a lot of projects in Jordan”- Young Participant. W. Amman “Fastlink and Safeway for example, support us sports players”- Young Participant. W. Amman 2. Uncovering Perceptions Towards Developments in the Jordanian Economy Where does the aid go?? • In all focus group sessions conducted, all participants stated with mockery and confusion “Where does all the aid go?”. As it was evident that all participants were aware that Jordan receives foreign aid from several sources, this reaction proved that they did not feel the aid was directly affecting them. It showed that they were unable to see the benefits of the interventions.

• Moreover, participants of East Amman and Zarqa implied that the money received from aid is spent on areas that were not essential to them. They mentioned sarcastically that the money was spent on building bridges and tunnels in the streets of Amman.

• Moreover, other participants residing in East Amman and Zarqa felt that the money was spent in a corrupt way, as in on parties for the rich and influential in Jordan.

The diagram indicates that the majority of aid is spent on Program Assistance, as mentioned by research participants in other sections of this report.

“The money is spent on parties for the important people in our country!”- Male. East Amman and Zarqa 3. Perceptions Towards Governance in Jordan 3. Perceptions Towards Governance in Jordan

Positive Changes that took place in the Functioning of the Government

Participants were asked to talk about the positive changes that Positive Changes they believed to have taken place in the functioning of the government in the past five years. It is noteworthy to say that again Improvements in the infrastructure of the kingdom the positive changes were more difficult to recall than the negative changes. Better roads

1. Improvements in the infrastructure: Better transportation systems • The most popular positive changes recalled by many participants was the improvement in the infrastructure in the Better service offerings country. Many participants mentioned that the roads have changed to the better, and that they were well kept. Better services Provided to the • Moreover, participants mentioned that the transportation Citizens systems were better preserved and were covering more areas in Jordan, allowing them to move around the country more Health Insurance freely. • Some participants mentioned that they had better access to services such as water and electricity. Social Security 2. Better health and social services provided to citizens • It was evident that some participants felt the government was Exerting Effort to try to improve now doing a better job in providing health care services and social security services. Other participants felt that the health sector has shown great improvements. Reducing Unemployment 3. Perceptions Towards Governance in Jordan

Positive Changes that took place in the Functioning of the Government

3. Exerting more efforts in trying to improve standards of living Positive Changes • Some participants felt that the government was at least trying hard to improve the way it is functioning, and said that their Attention to Minority Groups efforts to reduce unemployment was a positive feature. Moreover, participants perceived the government to be paying more attention to education in the country. Empowering women

4. Paying more attention to minority groups Youth • Many research participants felt that the government was improving in terms of paying more attention to minority groups, women and the youth. Better Trade Relations • Moreover, some participants felt that the government was providing more aid and support to these minority groups, and FTAs was also providing a better standard of living to the poor.

5. Better Trade Relations Increased volume of Trade • Research participants felt that the government was functioning better on a macro level, in terms of building a more strategic Investment Promotion Laws position for Jordan in the international economic scene. Participants mentioned the benefits of the free trade agreements (FTAs) signed with other countries, and the increase in the volume of trade. Moreover, a few participants mentioned that the investment promotion laws imposed were a positive move that would improve the economic situation of Jordan. 3. Perceptions Towards Governance in Jordan

Negative Changes that took place in the Functioning of the government

• Participants were asked to share their views about the Negative Changes negative changes that took place in the functioning of the government in the past five years. It was evident that the top Unequal Allocation of Government’s three most popular changes witnessed by research Efforts to Improve the Country participants were the increased corruption in the dealings of the government, the unfair distribution of intervention and development efforts in various areas and targets in Jordan, Certain social classes benefit and the government’s inability to keep the prices of goods and services controlled. Concentrate on Certain Villages

6. Unequal Allocation of Government’s Efforts to Improve the Touristy Districts only Benefit Country Corruption in the dealings of the • The majority of participants felt that certain targets were Government always the beneficiary of government’s interventions, and felt there were many areas that were neglected. Many participants felt that the government concentrated its efforts Dishonesty in dealings on touristy governorates and districts, whilst others felt that the efforts were all directed to citizens from a certain social Government is destructed income group (middle to upper class). • Moreover, participants felt that the services provided by the Wasta government, such as education, were only benefiting those from a certain area of residence or social income group. Inability to control Inflation and keep it at its lowest 3. Perceptions Towards Governance in Jordan

6. Unequal Allocation of Government’s Efforts to Improve the Country (cont.) • Diagram A below illustrates a conversation that took place between the focus group participants in Karak and Tafileh governorates. Diagram B illustrates a conversation between female participants in Irbid…

The elected council members only A The government know us during the voting period.. overlooks the southern And then the forget we exist…. governorates! Everything needs a B Wasta! The governorates in the south are deprived even from foreign investments Even the benefits you should get for working in the military need a Wasta… They focus solely on the major cities, like Amman and Aqaba…. And to think we are only The documents that 150Km away from the are submitted through capital city of Amman! Wasta have a yellow CARE give Amman Zarqa mark on them, and our Irbid millions of JDs, if they papers are just shoved give us only 15,000 we never to the side! hear the end of it 3. Perceptions Towards Governance in Jordan

Negative Changes that took place in the Functioning of the government 1. Corruption in the Dealings of the Government • Throughout the research process, the issue of corruption was brought up in various issues and topics discussed. However, the main element to note is that people from lower social income groups feel that they are left powerless in front of bigger authorities, and feel they are neglected. The main negative perception was that participants felt that the issue of Wasta was even more apparent than it was in the past years. They felt that in order to get heard, they needed to have some higher connection with someone they new in their government at national or district level. • In addition, participants felt that there was a form of dishonesty in the dealings of the government, and that the operations were not transparent as they should be. Many participants also voiced their concerns by stating that they perceived the government to be destructed. This is mainly a reverse affect of the lack of attention they feel they are receiving from the authorities that would improve their lives.

2. Government’s inability to control the Increase in the Prices of Goods and Services • Participants voiced their concerns about inflation each time they were asked about anything negative to do with the Jordan and its economy. For lower social income groups, any slight rise in prices directly affects them negatively. The majority of participants felt that not only had the government’s functions towards reducing inflation was unsuccessful, but they felt that they unable to sustain their livelihoods as their spending has increased which meant they were rapidly faltering below the poverty line. “Things used to be better, the government used to give us subsidized coupons for sugar and rice, but now they stopped it”- Group 2 “Now they are fixing the streets and roads, but those who live in rural areas are not reaping their benefits”- Female Aqaba “The children in Irbid are denied from any recreational parks and playgrounds, they removed all the playgrounds and now we are left with nowhere to go”- Male. Karak 3. Perceptions Towards Governance in Jordan

Negative Changes that took place in the Functioning of the government 3. Privatization of Jordan’s main Public Services Privatization and Investment • In 1992, before the privatization program began in Jordan, the Laws proportion of GDP from public sector establishments, excluding producers of government services, reached only 14%. The program aimed at enhancing enterprise efficiency through the sale of shares Lack of Attention to the Poor in of technically advanced strategic investors, deepening the financial terms of recreational Facilities market through public share offerings, and reducing subsidies and consolidating public finances. • Research participants felt that the privatization of several entities Investment Laws had a negative effect on the general citizen, as they felt they were the ones paying the higher price for the macro development plan the government had. • Moreover, it was evident that participants felt that the changes in the investment laws which allowed foreigners to own 100% in the Amman Stock Exchange has reflected negatively on them.

4. Lack of Attention to the Poor • Research participants felt that the government was not functioning properly in terms of their attention to the Poor in Jordan and their needs. It was evident that participants needed more public recreational facilities that they could benefit from, which they felt they were deprived from. .

5. Other negative changes…. • A minority of research participants mentioned that the standard procedures that govern the functioning of the government were not improving and were outdated and exhaustive. They mentioned that a more effective and efficient system should be in place. 3. Perceptions Towards Governance in Jordan

Is the Government doing a better job now in providing better standards of living? • The role of the government in improving the standards of living is vital in maintaining the people’s faith in the authorities and building trust. When research participants were asked to share their views about the past performance of the government in the past five years, in terms of providing better standards of living and more opportunities to its people, the majority agreed that it was trying but was not successful. The current standards of living per capita GDP at current market prices equals JD 1491 or US$ 2103 in 2004 according to the central bank of Jordan.

• The fact that research participants think that the government is exerting some effort in trying to improve their standards of living is a positive, however the fact that participants perceive the government to be failing in its trials and efforts is negative.

• People attributed the government’s poor efforts in trying to improve the situation of the Jordanian citizens mainly due to poor planning of its interventions and strategies. Many participants also mentioned that they did not have faith in the government, and stated that all the developments it plans to implement are “all talk”. A few participants also mentioned that they hear the government plans on TV and read them in various press releases, however they seem to have little trust or faith in whether the government will actually implement. 3. Perceptions Towards Governance in Jordan

Is the Government doing a better job now? (Cont.) • According to a majority of research participants, the government was currently doing a worse job in trying to improve standards of living in comparison to five years ago. A majority of research participants mentioned that they believed their standards of living to have been much better in the past. Moreover, the issue of the inflation of prices was mentioned once again by research participants, stating that if the prices were rising at a level that they could not adapt to, this made them believe that the government was now doing a worse job. Other participants mentioned that they felt that the poverty level had risen immensely, therefore enforcing their doubts about the way the government is functioning.

• A minority of research participants perceived the government to be doing a better job now in improving the standards of living of its citizens than it did five years ago. Examples given included the government’s efforts in helping refugees living in camps, and helping citizens with their health and medical payments. Some participants also mentioned that the government does a better job now, however the issue of “wasta” still exists.

• Moreover, participants showed major concerns as to the fact that their voices and needs are not heard by the authorities. In Tafileh, participants stated that the locals took the initiative to establish their own associations to help each other and themselves as they were not helped or supported by the government.

“We don’t know the government anymore because they keep on changing representatives so often”- Group 8 “Maybe it is in Amman, but in Aqaba it is not”- Female Aqaba “The standards of living have dropped to the lowest rate possible”- Male. Karak 3. Perceptions Towards Governance in Jordan

Has the Level of Corruption Increased According to Participants? • Jordan has also expressed increasing interest in improving democracy and governance. In October 2003, the Government of Jordan launched an ambitious set of political reforms aimed at promoting greater press freedom, decreasing corruption, and promoting greater civil society participation in the public realm. Under this agenda, democratic reform is seen as a tool to maintain stability and engender support for ongoing economic structural adjustment. (USAID- Jordan 2006)

• Participants were asked if they felt that the level of corruption amongst officials and their agents who handle the money and other resources had decreased in the past five years, it was evident that the majority of participant felt that it has increased. According to research findings participants felt that corruption has increased because people are losing faith in god and don’t have fear or shame anymore, moreover, they felt that the salaries of the persons in the parliament were too high. In addition, participants felt that there was more corruption now not only on a national level, but also on a regional and international level.

• However, a great minority of participants felt that the corruption had decreased, and that this was due to the increased awareness of the people regarding the government budget and allocated spending and operations. Other participants mentioned that due to the stricter regulations and watchful eyes of the authorities that corruption level has decreased in the past five years.

“Unemployment lead to more corruption”- Male. East Amman and Zarqa “They don’t fear their god anymore” Male. East Amman and Zarqa “The member of Parliament is taking almost the same salary as the prime minister!” Male, Madaba Balqaa and Mafraq 3. Perceptions Towards Governance in Jordan

Has the Level of Corruption Increased According to Participants? • “Corruption poses a serious development challenge. It undermines democracy and good governance by subverting formal processes. Corruption in elections and in the legislative bodies reduces accountability and representation; corruption in the judiciary suspends the rule of law; and corruption in public administration results in the unequal provision of services. Corruption undermines the legitimacy of government and such democratic values as trust and tolerance. It also weakens economic development by generating considerable distortions and inefficiency”. Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD)

• A widely accepted definition of corruption is the one used by the World Bank: "the abuse of public power for private benefit". Another, and more precise, definition is that "corruption is any transaction between private and public sector actors through which collective goods are illegitimately converted into private payoffs." 3. Perceptions Towards Governance in Jordan

Do you feel decision makers understand how you feel? • When asked if participants felt that decision makers understood how the people felt and were able to identify their needs and concerns, a great majority of participants said that they felt decision makers understood them but did nothing about it. They felt that the decision makers chose not to help them out, even though they understood their needs. It was evident that participants felt that their rights and voices were lost, and were not of great importance to decision makers, as they felt they did not share the same concerns with the people. • A few participants felt that the decision makers understood them but were helpless and couldn’t support them if they wanted to. A few participants mentioned that any agenda or reform action is very well studied before it is implemented, therefore some decision makers were unable to change some situations. • Other participants felt that they were understood, and pointed out that social security services was created specifically for the people to cater to their needs. One participant in Irbid mentioned that the decision makers were also part of the people and fully understood their needs and concerns.

Its not that they don’t understand, but They understand, but they don’t it is to their advantage not to care. Male, East Amman and Zarqa understand- Female, Madaba Balqaa Mafraq Yes they understand, that’s why they made social security services They understand. But they don’t (DAMAN). Female. Madaba, Balqaa, feel our pain and suffering. Mafraq Female Jordan Valley

They understand the needs of the If they understood, they would citizens that are well connected. But provide us with medical not us. Female, East Amman and insurance. Female. Madaba Zarqaa 3. Perceptions Towards Governance in Jordan

Scenario of a conflict in a district/town or governorate • Participants were asked to imagine that there was a conflict of interest between the stronger and the weaker segments of the districts or locality, and were asked to imagine the outcomes of the conflict in terms of the following: – How the people ask for help – The reaction and role of the government officials – If the week were protected

• This question was asked in order to find out how protected the people are in their locality, and how much they perceive the officials to be taking their views and rights into consideration. The main research finding indicated that there was no system that was protecting the weaker segments of an area or locality, and that there was more chaos than expected. The great majority of people felt that they were exposed and not protected by their government.

• As for the process that people would ask for help, it was evident that participants felt that the main method of getting their voices heard is by causing a riot and major chaos in the town. A majority of participants stated that the people would cause a riot or strike, or even start to vandalize the shops, in order to be heard. This indicates that there is no clear procedures that should be followed in order to submit complaints or solve major or minor conflicts in a district.

• Moreover, participants mentioned that they would resolve to the media source in order to get themselves heard. A few participants mentioned that they would discuss it with a local radio show presenter “Mohammad Al Wakeel”, whilst others mentioned they would talk to the press in order to publish their views in the papers. This is a very negative research finding as it indicates that the people have to go through many channels in order to get their voices heard. 3. Perceptions Towards Governance in Jordan

Scenario of a conflict in a district/town or governorate? • A few participants mentioned that the people would have to go to the authorities and officials of the district they live in, in order to let their views be passed on to the government officials. A few mentioned that they would go to the ministry or to the municipality in order to submit a complaint.

• Participants also perceived the views of the government to be very negative, and a majority of them stated that they would have to react in a way that quickly overshadows the topic in order to avoid further damage. A majority of participants stated that the government officials, or the stronger parties in the district, would probably conduct a form of bribery to the people in order to shut them up. One participants mentioned that the weaker person would be paid a minimal fee of 20 JDs in order to resolve the issue, another stated that the officials would invite the weaker segments to eat “Mansaf” which is the traditional Jordanian meal as a way of resolving the conflict. Moreover, one other participant mentioned that the officials would amend a few disorderly things in the district, such as a minor street or pavement, in order to make the people feel like they are doing something about the situation.

• Moreover, participants felt that the officials would just paint a pretty picture as to how they are trying to solve the issue, when in reality they did not have any intentions of solving the issue.

• The most discerning fact was that the majority of participants felt that after this imaginary conflict took place, the people were left unprotected. It was evident that participants felt that they were left exposed and unprotected, and that the officials only solved the issue on a very basic level and did not kill the problem from the root. A few participants also mentioned that the problem was only partially solved. 3. Perceptions Towards Governance in Jordan

Scenario of a conflict in a district/town or governorate?

When the “We will break the shops and places!” Group 6 - Riots and Strikes will occur “It’s a big problem, they will beat each other up”- Group 1 conflict - Chaos will take place “There will be negotiations, and they will select someone from starts… - It will be published and the people”- Group 2 How the announced in the media “They will find a tribal solution to the problem” Group 2 people -The people will have to consult “They will submit a general complaint” Group 6 ask for the authorities and those “We will air it on the Mohammad Wakeel Radio show” Group 1 help “We take the sheikh of the tribe and have him represent the responsible people to the government”- Group 1-4 “They will try to calm things down by tempting and bribing them with things, like inviting them to “Mansaf”” Group 1 -Use bribery to calm things down “They will start to improve insignificant things, like a small road, Reaction -Get another representative for in order to shut the people up” Group 1 of the the district “They paint over the issue nicely as though they are representing the people. But there is no transparency” Group 4 Authority -Try to quickly cover up the issue “They will give you 20 JDs to shut you up” Group 5 -Do Nothing “They find out who made the problem, and calculate their actions according to how important he is” Group 4 “They will do nothing”- Group 6 and 7 Were the people Protected?

“Not Always!” Group 1 - Definitely Not. “Only Temporarily” Group 5 - Only temporarily. Not a long term “Only to shut us up” Group 5 “Only 50% Protected” Group 2 solution to the problem “They cover the issue as quick as they can” Group 4 - Somewhat protected “We are battered and abused!” Group 5 “We are not protected, not even one percent” Group 2 4. Perceptions Towards Empowering the Poor 4. Perceptions Towards Empowering the Poor

Do people from low social income groups play an effective role in choosing the member of council/committee? • Participants were asked if they felt that people from lower social income groups play an effective role in choosing the member of the local council/committee. A majority of participants believed that they were playing a role in selecting the council members through the elections that were held at their districts. However it was proved that many participants perceived that the elections were also based on personal connections, and that many members of council got to their high posts by means of Wasta.

• It was evident that a majority of participants were not satisfied with their local council, and believed that they were not doing a good job in representing them. A majority of participants stated that even though they chose the members of council, they were still doing a bad job in representing them. Participants mentioned that the elections were not fair, and many elected members used various forms of bribery prior to the election periods and tried to gain the trust of the people. However, they were not consistent as participants felt neglected as soon as they were elected.

• A major problem was posed in Aqaba, as a majority of participants mentioned that they did not play any role in choosing their local councils, and that the council is chosen by the Municipality on behalf of the people of Aqaba. Moreover, participants residing in Aqaba mentioned that they did not have elections because they got cancelled. They also voiced their concerns regarding the fact that they had representatives in the council that are not doing anything or being productive, and instead of getting rid of them they are adding more members and representatives.

“Our voice is not Heard”- Male. Aqaba “Depends on the Village” Group 5 4. Perceptions Towards Empowering the Poor

Are poor people represented in the Council?

• Other participants mentioned that they did not play a role in selecting the member of council, and mentioned that the members that are selected normally do so by have their cousins, relatives and various tribes vote for him, even though his qualifications are not suitable for the post.

• Participants were asked if they felt that people from lower social income groups are represented in the council/committee, and it was evident that a majority if not all participants felt that they were not. It was evident that participants felt that poor people did not have a stand in society’s decision making process.

When I compare Aqaba with Dubai, which is also a free economic zone, I think we were neglected from all decision making process. In Dubai, before they started improving the area and transforming it into a free economic zone, they educated their people and taught them what it really meant to be living in a free zone and how to benefit from it. For us, this benefit has become a disadvantage because till now the people don’t understand what a free zone it, and can’t keep up with the developments. Male. Aqaba

“The poor are neglected completey”- Group 4 “Poor people are not represented in the council” Participants 4. Perceptions Towards Empowering the Poor

Is Money for Services Better Spent?

• Participants were asked if they felt that compared to the situation Better Allocation of Money for prevailing five years ago the money that the government allocates for Locality their locality is better spent now, participants had mixed views. Participants felt that not all ministries were spending their Better Infrastructure budgets effectively, and that some projects are better planned. However, they mentioned that in relation to the budgets Better Health Services allocated to this type of development some areas and services had improved. Better Educational Services

IT Development Helped in Better • Participants felt that the health and educational services, although Service Delivery they had many negative perceptions towards them, had improved in comparison to their situation in the past. Participants in Aqaba also felt that the services were much better nowadays, as they had newly improved network for water and electricity, and that they had more Slightly Better… but not parks. They felt that the aesthetic beauty of Aqaba has improved enough! greatly.

• Moreover, participants in the northern districts felt that the introduction of IT into the daily operations of the Jordanian system have added to the developments and improvements of service -“Yesterday there was a fire and the delivery. A majority of participants also stated that the buildings and fire brigade immediately, in a span of infrastructure had improved a lot. minutes, came to help us”- Group 5 -“Some projects and services are better planned” Group 5 4. Perceptions Towards Empowering the Poor

Money for Services Better Spent? (Cont.) • On the other hand, a majority of participants felt that the money spent was not as good as it was before. Participants felt that the poor Worse Allocation of Money for planning on behalf of responsible authorities resulted in poor Locality services delivery and allocation of money. Some participants Bad Planning from Those mentioned that the authorities would have to dig up the same streets Responsible many times and still not repair it. Bad Roads and Infrastructure • Participants stressed the fact that only the major cities had attention, and that old areas and villages didn’t get enough No Recreational Services support in terms of better service delivery. Moreover, participants living in the Jordan Valley felt that the roads were still unkempt, and Attention to Major Cities that the agricultural sector services were still poor. Participants in Irbid, Jerash and Ajloun felt that the hospitals and medical clinics still needed attention. In addition they mentioned that in some areas they still didn’t have electricity, and felt that if someone died in his home no one would even realize because they felt so neglected.

• Participants in the Jordan Valley felt that the government was not allocating enough money to provide services for the youth in terms of -“Yesterday there was a fire and recreational facilities. the fire brigade immediately, in a span of minutes, came to help • In addition, some participants felt that as a percentage the services us”- Group 5 were improving, but one stated that the roads and aesthetic - “Some projects and services beauty were not a sufficient indicator to the money spent on are better planned” Group 5 improving services. 4. Perceptions Towards Empowering the Poor

Money for Services Better Spent?

• It was evident that participants felt that there was a form of corruption in the money allocated, as one participant in East Amman and Zarqa group mentioned that only a fraction of the money allocated is actually used to implementing better services, whilst the rest is just used for other purposes that are not intended.

• In Aqaba, the issue of poor planning was very significant, as the new developments in real estate seemed to be affecting the locals in a negative way. Participants mentioned that they felt deprived from the beaches of Aqaba.

- “They are spending millions on improving the service infrastructure, however there is no coordination between the various authorities, such as the electricity, water and building workers. One day they dig up the road for electricity, and the next the dig it up again for water pipes”- Males, Aqaba - “Some schools are operating from poor buildings, or from their homes…” Male, Madaba Balqaa and Mafraq. 4. Perceptions Towards Empowering the Poor If your family faced difficulty can you get better help than 5 years ago? • Participants were asked whether they were able to get better aid and support in the case their family gets into unforeseen economic difficulties for any reason, than they would have been able to five years ago. It was evident that participants had mixed views, where some thought that now the process was much easier and other thought that it was much more difficult.

• Participants living in Irbid, Ajloun and Jerash felt that nowadays it was very difficult to get aid and support and mentioned that the process was long and tedious. One participant in Irbid mentioned that in order to get himself out of the difficulties he was facing he would have to sell something that belongs to him, such as a piece of land, stating that it was too difficult to get aid nowadays. All male participants in Karak and Tafileh, and all male participants in East Amman and Zarqa stated that it was much more difficult to get better support from the government than five years ago.

• Moreover, only a few participants in Madaba, Balqaa and Mafraq, and a few females living in East Amman and Zarqa mentioned that it was more difficult to get aid.

• On a positive note, male participants living in Madaba, Balqaa and Mafraq stated that it was much easier to get aid and support from the government, mentioning that the sources of aid have increased with the creation of more NGOs. One female participant residing in Madaba, Balqaa and gives support in emergency situations. Another (ﺻﻨﺪوق اﻟﻤﻌﻮﻧﺔ اﻟﻮﻃﻨﻴﺔ ) Mafraq stated that the National Aid Fund female participant in Irbid Ajloun and Jerash stated that nowadays you can easily get a loan and start a project of your own, in order to get yourself out of financial difficulties. Moreover, a female participant residing in the Jordan Valley and Shunah mentioned that you were able to get support from the (DIWAN). “Maybe you are able to get support but after going through a lot and getting tired of waiting”-Participant “The aid sources have increased, we have many options, there are many NGOs available nowadays” Male, Madaba Balqaa and Mafraq. 4. Perceptions Towards Empowering the Poor

How to secure yourselves in Old Age? • Participants were asked to determine how they would secure themselves when reaching old age. It was evident that the majority of all group participants stated that they will rely on social security payments, even though they stated that it would still not be enough. It was also observed that many participants cited that they will secure themselves with a project that will assist them in the future as it will be owned by them and cash flow will be transferred from their venture. Other participants indicated that they will depend on retirement salaries that they will obtain from the government. It was observed that participants continuously signified that they prefer working in the government as benefits such as retirement salaries are provided in the long run.

Social Security Payments Own Personal Projects Retirement Salaries

Other ways mentioned by participants include the following: ƒ Trade ƒ Relying on their children ƒ Rent from property owned ƒ Sitting on the front door of a mosque seeking financial assistance ﺻﻨﺪوق اﻟﻤﻌﻮﻧﺔ اﻟﻮﻃﻨﻴﺔ() Seek assistance from National Aid Fund ƒ ƒ Seek assistance from UN Social Development ƒ Require a loan from IRADA to start a project ƒ Compensation from funds that support farmers in the Jordan Valley

ƒ As shown it was apparent that participants perceive aid programs to be their support systems in the future as they recalled that they will secure their future through them. This illustrates that aid programs are highly desired, as they are perceived to improve their welfare in the short and long term. 4. Perceptions Towards Empowering the Poor

Have their standards of Living Changed Since Retirement? • When asked if retired participants felt that their standards of living have improved after they retired, and those that have not retired perceived that their standards of living would improve after they retire, a majority of participants stated that the situation would get worse for them.

• All female participants in Irbid, Ajloun and Jerash felt that their standards of living would get worse. Many participants in Madaba, Balqaa and Mafraq, East Amman and Zarqa felt that when retiring their standards of living would get worse, because incomes from social security was insufficient and people would still need to get another job in order to sustain their livelihoods.

• A majority of participants mentioned that with the rapid increase in prices, they assumed that they would be facing much difficult economic situations. One participant in Karak and Tafileh also mentioned that he imagined that in the year 2010, which is when he would retire, if his income reached a high of 500 Jordanian Dinars it would still not be enough.

• Only one participant mentioned an example of a friend she knew that retired, and stated that his situation got much better after he retired, and said that now her friend had a fixed income and his kids also spent on him. This however shows that the retirement income is not enough, and that other forms of income (i.e. children) would be needed to help out. 5. Unemployment and Social Security Issues 5. Unemployment and Social Security Issues

Personal Beliefs of the Youthful Participants

Expectations Towards Employment Opportunities… More Wasta and Corruption • It was evident that the youthful participants expected to get paid salaries upon their graduation that ranged from 200 to 400 JDs. Some participants mentioned that the expected to be paid much higher salaries as they felt that everything was very expensive nowadays in Jordan. • Disappointingly, the issue of Wasta was also mentioned by the young research participants stating that their employment depended greatly on the connections they had, stating that the issue of Wasta was very common these days. One participant also mentioned that if he didn’t have a degree from a University he would have to resolve to using personal connections in order to easily get employed. • It was evident that the young participants also had similar views regarding the role of the woman in being an income generator. A majority of the young male participants stated that it was more difficult for them in terms of responsibilities, as they had more pressure in earning a good living to support their families in the future. As for one participant, the woman did not really have to work in our culture, because she can get married and her husband will spend on her. • It was also evident that young male participants did not feel it was necessary for their wives to work and earn money, because they felt that it was the husbands role. One participant stated that he would let his wife work until she has her first child only.

“There are many companies that give people salaries of 300 and 400 for people with no experience at all”- Young Participant “Theres this girl that got employed at a bank in Jordan, she had an average GPA, and they didn’t even interview her, and she worked there immediately”- Young Participant “They should be paying us 1000 JDs, because everything changes and is more expensive. 5. Unemployment and Social Security Issues

Awareness about “DAMAN”/ Social Security Services Available in Jordan • Research participants were asked about their knowledge regarding the social security benefits in Jordan in order to assess whether they felt they were benefiting and raising their standards of living through more security, safety and stability in their lives.

• “The Jordanian Social Security Law was issued as a provisional law under No. 30 of the year 1978, as a result of the economic and social development in the Kingdom where it addressed the working groups uncovered with any other retirement rules or laws, such as civil or military retirement, the matter that required the existence of a socio- economic umbrella to protect those productive groups, and grant them subsequently more security, safety and stability, especially after the issuance of the Jordanian Labor Law at the beginning of the sixties of last century”, Social Security Corporation Jordan. • Although It was evident that the great majority of research participants were aware of the social security system in Jordan, none of them mentioned the recent changes in the laws of the social security system which detailed the payment plan upon retiring.

• Many of the participants were already registered with social security. The main objectives of social security as identified by research participants was insuring and securing their lives at old age, and protecting their children after they die. Moreover, participants felt that social security would protect them from illness and handicap. This indicates that participants felt that social security was a means of improving their standards of living by providing them a form of security for their future.

• The research unveiled the fact that a majority of participants were not very familiar with the specific process, rules and regulations for joining and benefiting from social security. However, a great majority of participants stressed the importance of having social security. This is explained in more depth in the next page. Participants were aware that there were several rules such as having to be employed, and having to contribute to social security through your employment period, but they were not very well informed about the details that apply.

“It is excellent for the elderly”- Male Karak and Tafileh “It doesn’t really improve our standards of living” Male. Aqaba 5. Unemployment and Social Security Issues

• According to the Strategic Number of Social Security Participants in Jordan during (1999- Booklet 2005-2007- Social 2003) Security Corporation the number of social security participants in Jordan have increased steadily from 1999 to 2003. Moreover, the percentage of social security participants to the employed has increased by approximately 6 percent between the years 2000 to 2003. 5. Unemployment and Social Security Issues

Awareness about “DAMAN”/ Social Security Services Available in Jordan • In addition, it was evident that participants were facing a few problems with social security in terms of not being able to benefit from it so easily. Participants in the Jordan Valley and Shunah mentioned that agricultural workers in addition to having low paid wages, did not have social security that would secure their futures. Also, participants in Aqaba mentioned that glass boat operators also don’t have social security. Other participants felt that the social security system was not fair for people from lower social income groups, stating that employees have to work for many years on very low paid wages, and at the end their savings don’t add up to an amount that would contribute to securing their future.

• Some participants mentioned that they wanted to benefit from social security services but were facing several obstacles. A few participants mentioned that they did not have a fixed income and were struggling with finding stable employment, therefore not allowing them to joining the social security benefit plan. Others did not know how to get registered as they were unaware of the terms of joining, which indicates that their employers were not providing them with the benefits they should be receiving. Moreover, it was evident that a majority of participants had the misperception that because they were paid minimal salaries they were not eligible to joining social security system.

• A minority of participants mentioned that they wanted to benefit from the system but were too lazy to go through the process, others mentioned that they heard of it but were not registered. This issue is mainly due to the inappropriate behavior of company employers, who are not ensuring that their employees are all benefiting from the system.

“Anyone registered with social security cannot get his full salary back after he retires”- Male. Aqaba “Social security is our security insurance, we don’t have any other form of security”- Male. Aqaba 5. Unemployment and Social Security Issues

Awareness about “DAMAN”/ Social Security Services Available in Jordan

• In addition, another participants stated that according to a research study he read, in the year 2016 the social security will falter and will face difficulties because of the financial losses in will incur. • Moreover, participants identified the following rules and regulations for joining the social security as displayed in the table below. Perception True/False Have to be employed and working to be eligible to register in social security True Have to work for 15 years In the past, you couldn’t join social security if your company has less than five True employees Monthly contribution of payments True You get health insurance after you retire False Social security takes a percentage from your salary and pays it back when you Partially True retire Even if you do not work, you can join the social security system False

• The table above shows that … 5. Unemployment and Social Security Issues

Importance of Social Security to Research Participants • It was evident that a majority of research participants felt that social security was very important in terms of securing their future.

Social security is important, but it has to be fair. Group 2

If Social Security didn’t give the retired person health insurance! That is not fair…. Group 2

Retirement is better than social security….Group 4

Also, once you get your insurance paid back to you, you can’t work again… so you are stuck with no insurance to secure an income… Group 2 5. Unemployment and Social Security Issues

How they look for work • A great majority of participants that were looking for work and employment opportunities mentioned that they rely on personal connections and wasta in order to find a job. Other participants mentioned that they would go and visit the companies or the governmental entities and check if there were any vacancies. Participants also mentioned that they look through the newspapers in order to see if there are any job adverts and announcements. Only a minority of participants mentioned that they look for work on the internet. • The issue of getting employed through personal connections is a serious problem, and signifies that there is no standard employment screening process that is free from discrimination. Fair hiring apparently is a concept that participants feel is not being applied, and even they retreat to using their personal connections in order to find a job. • The majority of participants that were currently employed also mentioned that they got the jobs they currently had through personal connections as well. A few participants mentioned that they found out about the jobs they are working through the newspapers. • Participants felt that it was becoming very difficult to find a form of employment that was suitable in terms of working hours, working conditions, salaries and other benefits. One participant mentioned that the government was trying to improve job opportunities but as the number of graduates was increasing the job opportunities created were not sufficient. Moreover, another participant mentioned that the link between education and work was becoming more evident, and those that were qualified were the ones that were getting employed, posing a problem on the less educated whilst catering for the needs of the ones that were.

“I look for a Wasta to get employed”- Female. Jordan Valley “We are looking very hard for employment but we cant find any job opportunities”- Group 6 “I probably knocked on all the companies’ doors in order to find a job!” Group 7 “I got employed through my own wasta…”. Many Participants “ I check the websites, like INTAJ, to find job opportunities”- Young Participant, W. Amman 5. Unemployment and Social Security Issues

How well are state measures followed by employer • When asked if participants felt that their employers were following state employment measures and laws more effectively in the past five years in relation to wages, health and safety standards at work, fair hiring and employee compensations and benefits, it was evident that a great majority of participants felt that their employers were not.

• A majority of participants felt that employers were not providing them with an employment package that was fair and rewarding. The issue of inconsistency in terms of employers applying the rules and laws was brought up often. Some participants mentioned that they were paid wages below what they should be getting, and were worked extra long hours without compensation. Participants felt that the employers were looking for the cheapest labor in terms of hiring.

“It all depends on the reputation and qualifications of the company” Group 3 “They are taking advantage of the employees” Group 6 “Working hours are 8 hours per day. Our employers make us work extra long hours”- Female. Aqaba “They do apply some of the rules, but not everywhere. If the rules were being applied you wouldn’t hear about so many cases for bad employment practices” Female, Aqaba “Our minimum wage is 110 JDs, but we have employees that work for much less in the Qualified Industrial Zones (QIZs)”- Male. Aqaba “Some are and some are not’ Young Participant- W. Amman “I am sure there are Wasta’s Involved” Young Participant- W. Amman 5. Unemployment and Social Security Issues

How well are state measures followed by employer • Only a minority of participants felt that employers were following the rules set by the state to ensure fair working practices.

• Some participants felt that the rules were being followed much more effectively. One participants mentioned that nowadays if an employee feels he is not being treated well he was able to voice his concerns by complaining to authorities.

• One participant also mentioned that the salaries in the private sector have improved a lot in the past few years, whereas the governmental sector employment salary remains minimal.

“My employer follows the rules much better” Group 9 “If the rules aren’t implemented there are complaints” Group 3

“New Job opportunities were created, before we had the “culture of shame””- Female. Aqaba “Aqaba is filled with qualified people, I have a database”- Female. Aqaba “Our children are too hasty to get into the professional world. They are all dropping out of schools” Group 2 “Private companies don’t provide insurance, there should be health insurance for those who work in construction”- Female. East Amman “Company owners prefer to employ Egyptians because its cheaper. Even the bigger companies” Female. East Amman 6. Perception Towards Service Delivery of Education 6. Perception Towards Service Delivery of Education

• An entire section of the research was dedicated to the perceptions of research participants regarding the education in Jordan and how it developed over the past five years. It was evident that although participants felt that education was a sector that was improving, it still had many problems that should be tackled. It was also evident that participants had very positive perceptions regarding the importance of education for any individual.

• Research participants also realized that the level of education in Jordan was more competitive than neighboring regional countries, however they also voiced their concerns regarding the recent increase in the number of persons being educated, which was escalating, as they felt that the increased quantity of students was affecting the quality of education negatively.

• According to the USAID in Jordan, “Serious social challenges clearly exist in Jordan. Although literacy rates are high at 90%, most schools do not provide students Percent Distribution of Jordanians (15+) with the skills they need for work. The vast majority of by Educational Level, 2004 early childhood education services are provided by the private sector and only affordable by the upper classes. This overall situation underscores the gap Illeterate between Jordanians that are able to participate in the Less Than Secondary modern economy in all its forms, including education, and Secondary those Jordanians that have yet to see the benefits from Intermediate Diploma Jordan's reform agenda”. Bachelor and Above

“The number of teachers and students has increased, but the quality of the education has suffered”- Group 8 6. Perception Towards Service Delivery of Education

Expenditure on Health and Education (2000-2004) Ministry of Planning Jordan

• Figures posted by the Ministry of planning in Jordan indicate that the government’s expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP and the Budget has risen between the years 2000 and 2004. However, according to research participants the level of improvements are not enough, and they believe that the government should be spending more, or paying more attention to the quality of education. In addition, the rise in population is not matching the higher spending on education. 6. Perception Towards Service Delivery of Education

The following areas were identified throughout the research process, which outlines the general perceptions of participants regarding education in Jordan:

Governmental vs. private teaching services Research participants stated different views regarding governmental versus private education. Some participants mentioned that education was excellent in the governmental sector (participant in Aqaba), whilst others mentioned that the private sector was much better (East Amman). This indicates that the level of education between the private and public sector vary, and they also vary from one are to the other.

Cost of Education Many participants spoke negatively about the increased prices of educations, stating that nowadays education in Jordan was excellent only for those who have money. Moreover, it was clear that educating their children was imposing a financial burden on them, as they had to worry about the increased costs of tuition, and the costs of other elements such as transportation.

“The cost of education has increased so much”- Young Participant- W. Amman 6. Perception Towards Service Delivery of Education

The following areas were identified throughout the research process, which outlines the general perceptions of participants regarding education in Jordan:

Qualification of Teachers: A great concern amongst participants from all areas tested was the unqualified teachers that were teaching the children in schools. A majority of participants felt that the teacher is setting a bad example for the students, and is unable to encourage them to learn. The methods of teaching have not evolved to the better, but have gotten worse according to the perceptions of research participants. Moreover, participants were aware of the developments in the syllabus and the recent advancements in the techniques of teaching and learning, however they stated that the students will not be able to evolve if the teacher himself is not well educated and competent in the new teaching methods imposed.

There were several complaints about the misbehavior of teachers in classrooms, were participants mentioned several examples of teachers not attending class and not treating the system with respect. Several cases of teachers physically abusing students was also presented, and other examples proved how careless and inconsistent teachers are in terms of abiding by regulations and policies of the schools.

“The way teachers are teaching these days is just appalling, the professors don’t know how to “My son takes a subject in school with a teacher that teach!” Young Participant- West Amman comes in only once or twice a week, and when the teacher comes he spends half the time on the phone with his fiancé”- Group 9 “If Thursday is a vacation day, the teacher tells the students to “Once I was at school, and realized that 13 teachers were take Wednesday off too!”- absent that same day!”- Group 9 Group 9 6. Perception Towards Service Delivery of Education

The following areas were identified throughout the research process, which outlines the general perceptions of participants regarding education in Jordan:

Qualification of teachers Another major concern was the fact that teachers were being employed from outside areas, and were not recruited directly from the governorate or district community. This imposed a problem of teachers not being timely in their attendance, due to their need to travel on a daily base, and makes the local community feel like there is an outsider teaching there kids. This concern was raised mostly in the governorates in the South. Other participants mentioned that many teachers were employed because they had connections and not because they were qualified.

Looking at this issue from a different point of view, participants also mentioned the fact that teachers were paid very low salaries which probably contributed to the fact that they are not doing an excellent job in teaching.

Moreover, participants in East Amman and Zarqa highlighted positive angles to teaching, were they mentioned that they perceived the teaching methods to have evolved to the better, and some also mentioned that the student was now encouraged to think creatively and individually.

“The school principle is to blame for this sort of corruption “My son had an exam at school, and I realized he wasn’t studying. at schools!”- Group 9 When I asked him why, he told me there was nothing to worry about, that he will definitely get a good grade because the teacher was his friend…”- Group 9 6. Perception Towards Service Delivery of Education

Quantity of Those Being Educated: Increased Number of Students Participants stated that one of the major disadvantages in Jordan’s educational sector was the increased number of students that are negatively affecting the quality of education. A majority of participants stated that the sector is not catering for the increased number of students in terms of number of schools and universities available, as the number of students in a classroom has increased a lot in the past few years. Although latest figures published by Jordan Investment Board (JIB) regarding the average number of student in a classroom states is 27.5 students/class, many participants mentioned that their children were enrolled at schools that had 40-60 students/class. This increased number of students in a classroom affected the quality of education, as teachers are unable to concentrate on each and every students specific needs.

Moreover, a minority of participants felt that the large number of students in the classroom has made students less intellectual due to the lack of interaction with the teachers, therefore making students more readily willing to leave school and start working unskilled jobs.

“They took a minister to a school with Education Statistics/ Jordan Investment Board 2006 4X4m Classrooms with 32 students in Average number of students/class 27.5 them! He ordered that they build three more rooms, and its been four years since Student/teacher Basic Education 21.7 then… no changes have occurred…” Group 8 Student/teacher Higher Education 11.8

“The are 40-50 students in the classroom, how will the children ever learn?!”- Group 4 “40 students in a classroom”- Group 8 Group 4 “The number of teachers and students have increased but the quality has suffered” Group 8 6. Perception Towards Service Delivery of Education

Behavioral Problems Surfacing When participants were asked if the education in Jordan had improved, it was evident that participants were not satisfied with the social changes that are occurring in terms of the behavior of students. Participants felt that there was lack of respect of students to their teachers, and that students were becoming more socially corrupt (in terms of misbehavior, bullying and disorderly conduct).

A majority of participants, and mostly from participants in Irbid, Jerash and Ajloun, stressed on the changes in the behavior and conduct of the student in schools and deemed it as unacceptable. Several examples were presented by various participants, which included the unveiling of weapons in schools by students, the use of drugs, and more violent behavior of students. Moreover, participants also mentioned that there is no disciplinary action that is taken by the school or teachers responsible, which make it easier for children to become distorted.

Exam papers are being sold The teacher is the student’s friend.. after school for only 5 JDs.. They don’t fear or respect the teachers Group 9 anymore- Group 5

There is no control over Kids don’t respect their behavior, no disciplinary teachers… Group 3 and 4 action is in place- Group 5

Even the parents don’t care if “Nowadays, the teacher is afraid of the kids are beaten up in getting beaten up by the teacher!”- school- Group 6 Female, Irbid Ajloun Jerash 6. Perception Towards Service Delivery of Education

Educational Facilities A few participants mentioned that the facilities at the schools and universities were of weak standards and needed improvement. They mentioned the poor condition of the classrooms, and the fact that a lot of the equipment, especially the computers, were out of order and were not repaired for years. Other participants mentioned that in some schools they were lacking the basic necessities, such as classrooms to fit the students in. One participant in Aqaba mentioned that in one of the schools in Aqaba everything was being stolen, and that the windows of the classrooms were all broken.

However, only a minority of participants, such as a few living in East Amman and Zarqa, mentioned that the schools’ facilities had improved over the past few years. Another participant in Irbid, Ajloun and Jerash mentioned that the educational facilities were excellent.

Advancements in the Syllabus As for advancements and improvements to the syllabus of teaching at schools and universities, a majority of participant mentioned that the levels were improving and were up to standard. Participants in several governorates proudly mentioned their satisfaction with the fact the English was being taught at most schools. Moreover, a participant mentioned that the Ministry of Education in Jordan encourages many students to learn, and that nowadays the student are more independent and rely on their personal efforts in succeeding. However, a few young participants mentioned that the introduction of teaching in English at universities was not being executed properly, as many students had very poor English speaking skills and this affected their academic performance. Young participants stated that the introduction of teaching English should start at an earlier stage and younger age, and not be forced on Jordanians at University stage.

“The level of education in Jordan is excellent, we are proud of our teachers that go abroad, they make us proud”- Group 7 6. Perception Towards Service Delivery of Education

Educational Network Spreads out to Specific Areas only Distribution of Another major concern pointed out by participants was the Universities in Jordan lack of universities in the South of the Kingdom, as a majority of participants felt that the universities were concentrated in the Capital and the northern and central parts of the Kingdom. Many participants living in the South mentioned that in order for them to get a good education they had to travel long distances to Amman or governorates in the North or central part of the Kingdom. Moreover, participants mentioned that they perceived the education in Amman to be of much higher standards than in the South. One participant also mentioned that many females were unable to apply to universities in the area because they were not available. The table on the left indicates the distribution of Universities in the region, indicating that there are more private and public universities in the Central-Northern districts. However, it is worth mentioning that many academies and minor colleges or subdivisions of universities that provide a minimum number of degrees are available in the Southern governorates, however these limit the possibilities of students in terms of specialization and choice of majors.

There are no universities to apply to- Female, Jordan Valley Private University There is no transportation available, it is very Public University difficult for us in the South. 6. Perception Towards Service Delivery of Education

Educational Network Spreads out to Specific Areas only (cont.) Moreover, participants in the Jordan Valley also felt that they were deprived from universities as they needed to travel long distances to go to university, which they mentioned was tiring and time consuming.

Only a few participants mentioned the fact that there were more universities and schools available in the past five years, which was a great advancement. One participant in Aqaba highlighted the fact that he thought that there were agreements with large corporations that are aiming to support schools in Aqaba which was a very positive element.

Technology: A majority of participants were aware that there were major advancements in the introduction of IT into the educational curriculum. However a majority of participants felt that the schools and those responsible were still unable to make best use of the technological aspects of educations, for example many participants mentioned that although there were now PCs in most schools, very few schools were making use of them. Other participants mentioned that the computers were all in bad shape and needed maintenance. One participant in Aqaba mentioned that the computers were only being used by teachers and principles of schools which meant the children were not benefiting.

Moreover, a few participants voiced their concerns regarding the disadvantages of the internet, as they felt it made the student think less and facilitated the process of cheating in terms of submitting reports that were readily available on the internet.

They promised to install internet in the schools, but till now the intranet isn't even working. Only 2 PCs out of 15 are working now! Group 9 6. Perception Towards Service Delivery of Education

Knowledge Stations in the Region • The Knowledge Stations network includes more than 100 stations established over the past four years and distributed all over the Kingdom. The network provides integrated and comprehensive ICT services for all members in the local communities. In addition, the network is a point of access to all initiatives in ICT and other programs that aim to provide services for individuals and communities.

• The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is divided administratively into three regions, the Central Region (which includes the Capital, Balqa, Zarqa, Madaba), the Northern Knowledge Station Distribution In Jordan Region (Irbid, Mafraq, Ajloun and Jerash), and the Southern Region (Karak, Ma’an, Tafileh and Aqaba). 16

• The number of Knowledge Stations in the Central Region is 11 9 41 (41%), 36 (36%) in the Northern Region and 23 (23%) in the Southern region. 4 21 • A survey conducted, according to the Knowledge Stations 11 Department, showed that The majority of PC users (45%) are youth between the ages of 20-30 years of age, whereas 25% 5 of users are between the ages of 30-40 years. It is obvious 7 that these users are among the youth who are either looking for employment or wish to upgrade their skills and enhance Ajloun: 5 their professional status. This is supported by the fact that Jerash: 9 54% of these users are university graduates looking for ways to improve their skills in ICT 4 7. Perceptions Towards Health Service Delivery 7. Perceptions Towards Health Service Delivery

The quality of Jordan's healthcare system has improved dramatically over the last two decades placing it among the top 10 countries in the world in reducing infant mortality. Life expectancy is higher in Jordan than most developing countries, averaging 69 for men and 71 for women. The crude birth rate is 32 per 1000 and the crude death rate is 5 per 1000. Jordan's population of 4.9 million is growing at 3% per year posing a challenge to the Government in the provision of health services to a rapidly growing young society. Over 40% of the population of Jordan is under the age of 15. (Jordan Healthcare 2006- http://www.iirme.com/)

• The majority of group participants signified that health care did not further improve than the way it was in the past. Participants mentioned some vital features that they find to be absent in health care services, such elements cited included the following:

– The lack of functional medical facilities: some participants stated that the medical clinics lack in containing appropriate and sufficient medical equipment to support or treat basic illnesses. One Karak participant added that a health clinic in her area that has been established in the past 5 years still does not incorporate functioning x-ray and radiation equipment. Such features were perceived to be highly irritating as fundamental and simplistic medicinal machinery is expected to be accessible.

– Lack of hospitals in certain areas: a few participants declared that areas around Tafileh and Karak governorates do not have access to medical care or hospitals as one participant noted that if an accident occurs it could be too late for an individual to get help as hospitals are very far to reach. Moreover, one participant cited that Tafileh still does not encompass at least one military hospital. Another participant signified that that even if hospitals are available, as in the case of the Italian hospital in Karak, they require expensive treatment which creates increased financial burdens. 7. Perceptions Towards Health Service Delivery

– Lack of qualified medical staff: participants indicated that there is deficiency in the number of practiced medical staff. Such a characteristic was envisioned to reflect a negative image regarding the health care system.

– Lack of adequate medications/ treatments: a participant revealed that it is still difficult to acquire medication as such treatments are not readily available and the waiting period to obtain prescriptions is long.

– However, it is worth noting that a few participants admitted that health care has improved in the past few years, and elaborated that they noticed an increase in the number of doctors and equipment. In addition, several participants indicated that the building structure of medical services either hospitals or clinics have improved in terms of aesthetic appeal.

It is worth noting that one participant commented that hospitals have enhanced, yet the medical clinics are still in need of improvement.

• As for the young participants residing in West Amman, it was evident that they felt that they needed health insurance for students and the youth. Some stated that the insurance that was provided for the students was not sufficient, as they felt that they were too limited by the health plans set by the university: which they viewed as poor. Moreover, participants involved in sports and were members of national sports clubs mentioned that they did not have health insurance. 7. Perceptions Towards Health Service Delivery

• Some quotes cited by participants:

“The media says health care is better, but it’s not” – East Amman and Zarqa Participant “A medical clinic was opened 5 years ago. Until now x-rays and radiation are not working” – Karak Participant “They tell us to plant olives and they will open the medical center!” – Karak Participant “We have the Italian hospital but it is very expensive” – Karak Participant “Qualified staff is not available” – Irbid Participant “The medical clinic has zero equipment” – Madaba, Balqa and Mafraq Participant “I can’t find medication for months” – Aqaba Participant “Areas around Tafileh and Karak don’t have access to medical care” – Karak Participant “Al Hasa district which is 65 KM away from Tafileh but is a part of Tafileh does not contain a hospital. If something happens to someone he will die before he can get to a hospital” – Tafileh Participant 8. Perceptions Towards the Environment in Jordan 8. Perceptions Towards the Environment in Jordan

• As part of the discussion groups, perceptions towards the government’s policy on environment and conserving natural resources were acquired. The majority of the focus group participants had either no awareness towards, or were extremely skeptical concerning the government’s policies concerning the environment. The following negative remarks and concerns were indicated throughout the focus groups: -Poor Planning -Lack of Efforts in conserving the Gulf of Aqaba -No protection of citizens residing nearby factories -More focus on Tourism Areas and larger cities -Lack of relevant efforts towards conserving natural resources -Lack of water resources in rural areas and governorates

• Several participants complained about the harmful factory wastes that affect the environment as well as the people residing around the factory. Many complained about the effects of the cement factory on the environment as well as the citizens, explaining that the cancer rates around such factories are extremely high and most people living in Rashidiyeh (near Karak and Tafileh) suffer from asthma.

“ If the owner of a factory is well connected, there is no problem with regards to what he does to the environment” Madaba Resident Male “ The environment is better in touristy areas” Madaba, Balqaa, Mafraq Resident Male “ The cement factory is causing various breathing problems to the people living around it. The cancer rates are also extremely high” Karak and Tafilah resident Male “When we leave Mafraq we can see trees on the way but when you reach Zarqa there is nothing there”. Mafraq resident Female “ The ministry of environment has no vital role in the governorates , as it doesn’t have any branches in them” Madaba, Mafraq, Balqaa Resident Male 8. Perceptions Towards the Environment in Jordan

• Exposure to environmental issues was very minimal for East Amman and Zarqa residents, and it was evident that they have major misconceptions about the true meaning of conserving the environment. According to participant, conserving and taking care of the environment started and ended at planting trees, other participants felt that conserving the environment only took place at touristy sites. As the majority of participants can’t afford or don’t have the time to go and visit the conservations and other places similar to Dana, Petra and Wadi Moujib, they could not directly feel the affects of the developments that were taking place and therefore they felt they were not benefiting.

• In Aqaba and the Jordan Valley, it was evident that residents of those areas had more awareness about environmental issues and developments taking place in Jordan. Aqaba residents were perceived to have the highest awareness as they were exposed to many environmental projects that took place in their governorate. Participants mentioned projects that were established to conserve the waters in the gulf of Aqaba and the corals and other resources. Participants in Aqaba mentioned that previously if the locals wanted to impose laws to protect their sea from pollution they could not, people could extract corals without them getting fined and if a fine was to be imposed it had to be taken to higher authorities for permission. Aqaba residents stated that people are more aware these days but that there was still a long way to go, and that still more attention needs to be given as the sea in Aqaba is not clean.

“Many health centers have been expanded and developed” East Amman and Zarqa resident Female “They spray pesticides which are harmful “Shunah and Jordan Valley resident Female “There is nothing. We only built a damn in Dana” Karak and Tafilah –Male “Before there was more attention given to the environment , as more trees were planted back then” Karak and Tafilah –Male “ Water resources are good especially the fresh water streams in our governorate.” Mada, Balqaa and Mafraq resident Male 8. Perceptions Towards the Environment in Jordan

• Karak and Tafilah residents complained about the scarcity of water, and that it merely accommodated to their basic needs for washing and drinking. Moreover, they mentioned that the water supply is not enough to support the cattle and sheep they have which they bought with a loan they received from various NGOs, therefore this was affecting the way in which they can benefit from the aid given to them. In addition, according to Karak and Tafileh residents, having a water tank was e a luxury that they couldn't afford. Most of the participants came from large families, where the average number of children in their families was between 8 to 9 children, and this added to their concerns about the scarcity of water supply. (Water supply in the two governorates is 3.1 million cubic meters of water for Tafileh and 11 for Karak, compared to the 118 cubic meters of water available in Amman- Department of Statistics 2004)

• Participants from Irbid, Ajlun and Jerash thought that the government’s environment policy is excellent, as they believe that that the water is clean and that there is an intensified supervision to preserve natural resources. Moreover, Irbid, Ajlun and Jerash participants mentioned that the factories are located far away from residential areas which was a good way for protecting the people from harmful emissions. However, on the downside, they also mentioned that want more parks for their children, and stated that the only concerns they had were that not enough trees were planted and they wanted to see a more effective act against deforestation.

• As for students in west Amman they were not any more alert than the rest of the participants. They mentioned that there is a noticeable increase in pollution. They also deem that there are laws that fine people who throw litter away while they drive. 8. Perceptions Towards the Environment in Jordan

Perceptions of UNDP Project Implementers Regarding the Current Situation • According to the project implementers’ views regarding the government’s policies to protect the environment, participants felt that many of the laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment were neglected and not dealt with high priority.

• Participants felt that there should be more focus and attention on behalf of the authorities to enforce the rules and regulations concerning the protection of the environment.

• Research participants felt that there was very low awareness from the people as to how the environment can be protected, as they assumed that the majority of the people felt that planting a tree or two is the way the environment would be protected.

• Participants also state that protecting the environment would also create job opportunities.

“The laws for protecting the environment have been set a long time ago, but it was a choice not to implement them. If we enforced these laws our environment would have been protected a long time ago”- UNDP Project Implementer “The law for agriculture was not effective or enforced. Agriculture and water resources are not protected. As an individual I should be more aware on how this will effect me. The people should know that the situation is changing and how they can help and benefit from these laws” UNDP Project Implementer “People have a misconception with regards to the environment, even those from very educated backgrounds. They want to plant trees from Amman to Aqaba along the highway, but this does not make sense. This does not protect the environment”- UNDP Project Implementer 8. Perceptions Towards the Environment in Jordan

Perceptions of UNDP Project Implementers Regarding the Current Situation

• Project managers voiced their concerns with regards to the projects that were being implemented by UNDP and other associations, and stated that because they are very poorly planned they might negatively affect the people and not be protected as they had envisioned them to be.

“The DISI Basin was improved, but in 20 years I am sure you will hear that they actually ruined it just as they ruined the Azrak Basin. They are not planned for the long term”- UNDP Project Implementer 9. Perceptions of Project Implementers of UNDP Interventions

9. Perceptions of Project Implementers of UNDP Interventions Perceptions of UNDP Project Implementers Regarding the Current Situation • Project Implementers and managers make up the level that interacts with the UNDP implementers and the direct project beneficiaries. It was essential to understand their perceptions and views in order to further find out how effective these projects were. Project implementers are also considered beneficiaries of UNDP projects, through the efforts and job opportunities provided to them.

• It was evident, that similar to the lower-end beneficiaries of UNDP interventions, project implementers were also frustrated and depressed with their lives. They had poor morale, and were feeling generally dissatisfied. However, it was evident that they were hopeful that the situations would get more bright. It was also apparent that the cause of their depression was mainly not from first-hand experience of living in rough situations, but it was more from what they had to witness in their field of work and their daily lives in Jordan. • Project implementers were also aware that people from a lower-social income group (which they didn’t consider themselves to be a part of), were living in very poor conditions in Jordan. They stated that nowadays, poor people were finding it very difficult to achieve their basic needs in life. Poor people, according to project implementers, are living in very difficult times and had constant worries with regards to their futures.

• When project implementers were asked about the current situation in Jordan, and how it had changed in the past five years it was evident that they shared the same views as other research participants. The main changes they witnessed were:

– Increase in prices of goods and services – More money was available, however there was no equal distribution – Social class gap was increasing, making the middle class social class disappear. 9. Perceptions of Project Implementers of UNDP Interventions Perceptions of UNDP Project Implementers Regarding the Current Situation – Investments in the country have increased drastically – Social Changes (Women empowerment, Teenagers in labor force, and other behavioral changes in the mentality of the citizens)

• As for the sectors that mainly needed more attention, project implementers stated that there was minimum attention to the rural areas and less commercial governorates of Jordan in terms of all sectors. Participants stated that the quality of the aid given in those areas was of much lower standards than the interventions lead in Amman. Participants also mentioned that even in East and West Amman, there were differences in standards and quality of services. Participants also stated that there were areas such as employment and job opportunities that should be enhances, and some also stated that there was more corruption which needs to be eliminated.

• According to the project implementers, they didn’t feel that the government was providing better services to its citizens in the past five years. It was evident that they felt that the government was getting worse, and had to provide more for its people in terms of better working opportunities and some sort of welfare protection system. One participant mentioned a case were the government raised the salaries of its employees by three Jordanian Dinars, which was a ridiculously low amount in relation to the increase in prices. 9. Perceptions of Project Implementers of UNDP Interventions Perceptions of UNDP Project Implementers Regarding the Current Situation • In relation to the level of education in the country, it was evident that research the project implementers felt that there was some improvements in the system, however they also shared many of their concerns. Project implementers felt that the number of qualified teachers in the Jordanian educational sector was insufficient, and that the cost of education was becoming too expensive. It was also voiced that the students graduating from Jordanian schools and Universities were still not competent as should be due to the poor level of education.

“We hear a lot about the teachers in the public schools, how they lack the knowledge and information”- UNDP Project Implementer “Teachers are not motivated and they are paid very Poorly ” UNDP Project Implementer “Some jobs, such as teaching, are considered sacred in other countries, but in Jordan teaching is one of the offensive jobs according to the people”- UNDP Project Implementer

• As for unemployment, it was evident that participants felt there were great differences in employment opportunities in the private and public sectors. UNDP Project implementers felt that there was still a corruptive culture in terms of working and earning a living, as they believed many people are resorting to wasta to get employed, whilst others were preferring to be unemployed than work in jobs they thought to be offensive (culture of shame). • Moreover, participants thought that many people were overqualified yet were unable to get jobs because the market was not providing the right opportunities. Participants mentioned that if you were well-connected you were able to get an excellent job to match your qualifications, and if not people resort to jobs that are beneath their requirements. “There unemployment, and underemployment that is very clear”- UNDP Project Implementer “The jobs are available, and the salaries are good. But the problem is that everyone is getting employed thanks to Wasta. Its all very fake ” UNDP Project Implementer “The salaries in the private sector are excellent”- UNDP Project Implementer “Job opportunities are good only in Amman” UNDP Project Implementer 9. Perceptions of Project Implementers of UNDP Interventions Perceptions of UNDP Project Implementers Regarding the Current Situation • As for the role of the government in creating job opportunities, it was evident that project implementers felt that the government was exerting effort in terms of promoting investment opportunities, and enhancing the technical skills of the labor force in Jordan in order to make them more qualified. However, it was clear that participants felt that the efforts of the government were ineffective and that the results were intangible.

“I feel the government has tried to do something about unemployment and creating new job opportunities, however the question remains did they reach a conclusion or achieve results?”- UNDP Project Implementer “Many programs were established that aimed to employ more people in the labor force, however most of these programs got cancelled and did not get implemented” UNDP Project Implementer “So, how much is the average waiting time for a fresh graduate to get employed and find a job he is suitable for? Very long”- UNDP Project Implementer “If you’re in the right social circle, and you are well connected, you are able to find a job”- UNDP Project implementer

• As for employers following regulations more effectively, UNDP project implementers felt like they were because they were being monitored more carefully than before. However, they mentioned that a part of the problem is the fact that employees don’t even know their rights, and are very oblivious to the employment laws. “Employees don’t know anything about their rights as employees”- UNDP Project Implementer “Sometimes, employees sign papers that they don’t even understand their content” UNDP Project Implementer “Many even work without a contract”- UNDP Project Implementer “Even on the level of internal company rules and regulations, they don’t understand them either”- UNDP Project implementer 9. Perceptions of Project Implementers of UNDP Interventions Perceptions of UNDP Project Implementers Regarding the Current Situation • It was clear that UNDP project implementers felt that there were still many developments that should take place in the employment field. Participants felt that there was some form of planning that aims to improve the working practices of the employees, but that they were ineffective. One participant stated that the government, and other employers, were planning services for employees however they were working on the wrong initiatives that were encouraging people to become business-oriented by giving them more access to loans and more specific training, but were not following through with them in order to help them launch their businesses. “If you give people loans, and train them how to open up a business, you need to follow-through and provide services that would help them become successful. They are stuck in the middle”- UNDP Project Implementer 9. Perceptions of Project Implementers of UNDP Interventions

Perceptions of UNDP Project Implementers Regarding the Success of the Projects • When participants were asked if they felt the UNDP interventions had affected Jordan positively, they all stated that they did. Participants felt that the UNDP was providing grants that were working towards enhancing Jordanians’ standards of living. The UNDP’s involvement in empowering women and gender equality was effective according to participants. • However, it was also clear that participants felt that the disadvantages of the UNDP were as follows: – No Follow-Up on Projects being Implemented: Participants stated that the only time they would hear back from the UNDP was when they requested reports from the project implementers for logistical purposes. But they were not involved in the weekly operations of how the projects were evolving. – Poor Planning of the Projects they Fund- Participants stated that the UNDP did not have sufficient information about the projects they were funding, in turn making them waste a lot of their efforts in the wrong places. – Projects are not sustainable and are not as effective in the long run. “There is follow up on a very general level, but they don’t have direct interaction with us as project implementers. They are very bureaucratic”- UNDP Project Implementer “Last year we had a group of auditors that came from the UNDP to conduct an audit. We were so shocked when they asked us about the contact information of other UNDP programs being implemented.” UNDP Project Implementer “The people from the UNDP do not come to the project sites to see for themselves, they think its too far to drive down to Salt for example”- UNDP Project Implementer “They ask us to send them a report at a specific deadline, and you never hear from them after you submit it”- UNDP Project Implementer “The problem is that we as Jordanians get very excited over a specific project and when its over even the implementers stop following up with the beneficiaries. There are no set guidelines and no money to continue, so we just end the projects” – UNDP Project Implementer

• Some project implementers stated that the UNDP had good follow-up, and stated the GEF as a project that had excellent follow-up. 9. Perceptions of Project Implementers of UNDP Interventions Perceptions of UNDP Project Implementers Regarding the Success of the Projects

• UNDP project implementer felt that the UNDP project and similar interventions were not affecting people positively and were not contributing to the enhancement of peoples standards of living as much as they should. The main reasons voiced by project implementers was the fact that the projects were mismanaged and poorly planned.

• According to UNDP project implementers, the people living in a certain district are the ones that are most proficient in their profession, and don’t need specialists and technical consultants to teach them how to do their trade and produce their goods. However, they need someone to help them package and sell the products that they already know how to produce. “The implemented this project that gave families 400 JDs to plant their own home-gardens, when the actual cost couldn’t have been that much! They are not really living in the reality of the situation”- UNDP Project Implementer “If you want to help people, it should be in the right context. You have to approach women for example living in a village that is rich in fruits and ask the women to produce Jam. Not approach women living in a desert and ask her to produce Jam!” UNDP Project Implementer “There was a project of producing olives, and they got these people and trained them on how to produce soap when they already know how to! Then the project implementers packaged their products in a very horrible way, and expected people to buy the soap. Who would want to buy it? The point is they bring foreign consultants who cancel out the traditional aspect of hand- made products, therefore they lose the touch and the whole concept”- UNDP Project Implementer • Moreover, according to UNDP project implementers, the projects are not studied properly before they are implemented. They stated that a lot of time and money is wasted because the projects are not catered to the needs and requirements of the beneficiaries. 9. Perceptions of Project Implementers of UNDP Interventions Perceptions of UNDP Project Implementers Regarding the Success of the Projects • As for the loans given to people in order to start up their own projects and businesses, it was clear that UNDP project implementers felt that the beneficiaries needed to be more aware and informed about the entire implications of having a loan. Participants stated that beneficiaries felt that a loan would save their lives, when in reality if they did not understand it well it could ruin them with the payments.

“It’s the people’s fault, they shouldn’t be promoting the loans in the way that they are”- UNDP Project Implementer “Beneficiaries don’t even know if the loan is sustainable in the long term, they don’t know how to calculate the interest and don’t have a backup plan to pay back the loan if it fails” UNDP Project Implementer “Many people use the loans for the wrong reasons, not to start up projects and income generating activities, like they take the loan to marry their son off”- UNDP Project Implementer

• Another problem of the UNDP technical training projects is the fact that they don’t calculate the long term sustainability of training beneficiaries. According to UNDP project implementers, a majority of employers are not willing to pay higher salaries for trained people because they prefer to employ cheaper labor.

The donor come and decide to establish specific projects in certain areas. They are imposing the projects and the money and telling people what jobs they should work.

These donors approach the Ministry of Planning and they look into the project. They don’t look into the needs of the area, when it is very important to study the projects very well.

They have the same project that overlap and affect each other negatively by competing with each other instead of complimenting each other. The ministry of planning has everything except planning 9. Perceptions of Project Implementers of UNDP Interventions Spontaneous Perceptions of UNDP Project Implementers

• Upon hearing the word UNDP, project implementers stated the following words, which show that even they feel that there are many areas for improvement:

Spontaneous Responses to • From the spontaneous responses, it can be concluded that UNDP project implementers felt that the UNDP are not planning their projects competently. The requirement of having to write to Reports many reports shows that the system is inefficient. Moreover, participants felt that the UNDP thought they knew everything Unplanned that should be done, when in reality it was evident that the major problems participants felt needed solving was the fact UNRWA that the UNDP needed to take their lead and guidance from the beneficiaries themselves. Blue Logo

“I feel the UNDP love to write a lot”- UNDP Project Implementer “They are a group of people that think they understand and know everything and think properly, and they think everyone else around them does not know anything and doesn’t understand anything”- UNDP Project Implementer “This is not only a problem of the UNDP it is a problem that is available everywhere, even the UN”- UNDP Project Implementer 10. Perceptions Towards Developments Programs and Interventions in Jordan 10. Perceptions Towards Developments Programs and Interventions in Jordan Awareness Towards Development Programs Available in Jordan

Most Popular UNRWA Answers Jordan River Foundation Noor Al Hussein Foundation INJAZ

Popular GTZ Answers GEF UNDP (medium grants. Small grants) Development and Employment Fund for Jordan (DEFJ) Hasemite Fund UNICEF Queen Alia Fund UN IRADA Princess Basma Fund Micro Fund for Women CARE UNICEF Least Popular USAID CHF Answers WEPIA Zakat Fund JIKA Azm Red Crescent Middle Eastern Kafaa RSCN Rural Woman SWATUP (sports) AFICO IUCN 10. Perceptions Towards Developments Programs and Interventions in Jordan Similarities and Differences between Development Programs

The table on the left Similarities Differences shows the main similarities and differences of Support different Social Groups development projects available in Jordan as perceived by research Methods of Providing Support participants. It is evident Same Objective of Supporting that there are more People differences than Funding Sources similarities. As the main similarity between the projects is that they Media Attention have the same objective of supporting people, developing the country Poor Follow Private/ Governmental and bettering the standards of living of citizens. Unfairness in Dealings Size of Operations

Productivity of Projects

“The programs available are not coordinated”- Group 4 “They all offer financial and emotional support ”Group 5 “Some associations support in return for something, and some just do it for free”- Group 2 10. Perceptions Towards Developments Programs and Interventions in Jordan How they heard about the programs?

Media • Research participants were asked where they heard about the development projects they were aware of, and it was evident that there was no reliable source for attaining information about the projects that they could benefit from. A majority of participants mentioned that they had heard about the projects being developed from media sources, other also mentioned that they heard about their activities and accomplishments through TV watching television. • However, it was evident that there is no central information center were targets are able to go to in order to apply for any type of aid. A majority of participants mentioned hearing about projects going on in their governorates, villages and districts through word of mouth. • Only a few research participants mentioned that they were able to attain more information by visiting the NGOs or associations responsible for implementing projects in their areas of Word of Mouth residence. Moreover, a minority of participants mentioned that the project organizers organized seminars with the local people in order to educate them about the activities and projects that they could get involved in and benefit from. • This poses a serious problem as those in need are unable to attain information that might be essential in helping them out, in addition, those that knew about the projects or had a source of getting information were benefiting from several projects; therefore not leaving room for Associations others to benefit.

Seminars “I didn’t hear about them, don’t have the time. I don’t have a TV, and can’t read or write”- Female- East Amman and Zarqaa 10. Perceptions Towards Developments Programs and Interventions in Jordan Objectives of these Programs According to Participants • It was evident that participants were very knowledgeable about the Main Objectives objectives of development projects that were being implemented in Jordan. The majority of participants perceived the main objective to be aid/support Helping the Poor and helping those in need. Furthermore, it was evident that participants Reduce Unemployment knew that the objectives of such projects was to better improve the and Create Job standards of living of the people of Jordan. Opportunities • The main objectives of these programs, as perceived by research participants, were helping the poor, reducing unemployment and creating Improve Standards of job opportunities, teaching and educating the people, supporting and Living developing Jordanian citizens, and improving the standards of living. Support/Aid and • Moreover, a few participants mentioned that other objectives of these Development projects included conserving the environment, and establishing more justice and fairness in the dealings of people and interactions in society. Teaching and Educating People

Other Objectives Conserving the Environment

Justice

“I Getting people out of the depression they are in”- Male- East Amman and Zarqaa “They try to provide a decent living for the citizens. But this is not implemented for us.” Male. Karak and tafileh 10. Perceptions Towards Developments Programs and Interventions in Jordan Perceived Targets of Development Programs • According to research participants, they perceived the target audience of development programs to be people from low-income groups, women, youth, governorates and villages, and unemployed persons. It was evident that participants felt that they were the main target for aid, and felt that they were the potential beneficiaries. • Moreover, when asked about the sectors that they thought needed further improvement, it was evident that they mentioned the Educational, Health and Refugee Camps as the main sectors that were the targets of development programs.

Perceived Target Audience Perceived Target Low Income Groups Sectors

Women Educational Sector

Children and Youth Health Sector

Governorates and Villages Refugee Camps

The Unemployed

“The children are the ones that suffer”- Female- Aqaba and Wadi Rum 11. Perceptions Towards the UNDP 11. Perceptions towards the UNDP

What participants know about the UN

• Participants were asked to mention the things that they knew about the United Nations in order to find out their awareness levels, it was evident that they mentioned the following:

– The UN is a group of people that create an organization to solve a problem – The UN is an international organization, its origins are from all the countries of the world – The UN is a humanitarian organization – The UN is a group of associations, one for agriculture and one for refugees – We know about Kofi Annan – The UN supports the Poor – The UN supports women and the youth – The UN improves the standards of living

We know about it from a long time ago, we grew up with it- Group 2 In School we had a lesson called UNICEF, Group 3 Very active and has many areas of work, Group 3 “The UN.... International Court Cases” Group 8 11. Perceptions towards the UNDP Spontaneous Responses to UN

• When asked to spontaneously say the words that come to mind when the word UN was mentioned, the majority of research participants answered with words related to aid and financial help. This association indicates that to them the UN has a positive role in their community, whether its by solving their financial problems, doing studies to improve their current situations, offering medical help, giving them a sense of security, or providing them with food supplies and increasing their income. • America ,UK and Germany were also related countries that the participants linked with the word U.N. As a human figure, Kofi Anan was referred to upon hearing the word United Nations. • Colors that were attached to the UN were blue, white, red and green. The fact that participants mentioned red and green, which are not official colors of the UN indicated their low awareness levels towards the visual elements of the UN identity. • Some participants had negative perceptions Positive UN Related Words towards the UN and mentioned negative words upon hearing the word UN such as; sanctions Financial Support Benefiting Everyone levied on countries, occupation and war, Aid Services control of the world (believing that they have a hidden agenda), creating problems and instilling fear in them. On the other hand, Other Country and People Related Words it was also evident that participants recalled negative words that showed the efforts of the U.S.A U.K GERMANY UN in fixing these international problems. • Kofi Anan Negative UN Related Words

Occupation/ Sanctions Invasion Control 11. Perceptions towards the UNDP

What participants know about the UNDP UNDP Areas of Work according What Participants Know About to research Participants the UNDP I Know the millennium Health I don’t know anything development about it!- Group 1, 5 goals- Group 3 Justice and Equality One of the UN programs, which Education works to improve the standards of living of people through projects, Environment Group 4 and 1 Participants‘ Development It has projects that provide Knowledge employment opportunities for Technology People. Group 10, 1 of the UNDP Protects women’s rights and the Culture children’s rights- Group 10 Agriculture Gives good salaries to its employees, UNDP Objective According to Research Helps countries and Participants catastrophes, Group 1, •Development 2, 10 • Improving Standards of Living •Supporting SMEs Related to Education Provides health care •Improving Health services. 1, 2 •Providing Job Opportunities • Conserving the Environment 11. Perceptions towards the UNDP Spontaneous Responses to UNDP • Upon hearing the word UNDP, all participants stated words related to aid and support, and mentioned positive words that indicated the field in which UNDP work in. • A great majority of participants stated the word projects and development activities as a response to UNDP. Other words mentioned by participants included areas that UNDP provide aid and support for such as environment, health services, technology, job creation, NGOs and the economy.

• It was evident that the younger participants were UNDP Related Words not aware of the word UNDP upon first hearing it. But when further probed about their views regarding the UNDP, a majority of them had Development Projects negative perceptions. One young participant stated the word lies, whilst other said that the UNDP is supposed to develop countries and we don’t see Support Development Aid them doing that. Moreover, it was clear that the young participants felt the UNDP was not doing a good job because they did not see their Technology Economy NGO’s interventions in the fields that mostly mattered to Health them such as sports and education. Job Creation Environment Services 11. Perceptions towards the UNDP

Perceived Advantages of the UNDP

• When participants were asked about the advantages of the UNDP, it was Perceived Advantages of evident that participants were thought that there were many advantages to the UNDP UNDP. Participants stated that the UNDP had the advantages as outlined below: UNDP has a reputable image that is free from speculation The UNDP are an organization that is reputable and that is well admired by all Nations and countries. (No Question Marks on the UNDP) UNDP Projects help and • Participants mentioned that the most prominent advantage of the UNDP is that support Many People it was free from speculation due to its reputable image and reputation worldwide. Moreover, participants felt that Jordan’s connections with the UNDP UNDP Develop and Support was a positive element that reflected positively on Jordan’s standing in the Countries world. • Moreover, participants mentioned that the UNDP was free from corruption and UNDP Have a lot of Money is distinguished from other organizations by it neutral standing in the political world of chaos. “The UNDP is supported worldwide” was a statement that was repeated often by participants. UNDP are Very Active • One female participant residing in Madaba, Balqaa and Mafraq mentioned that the UNDP was united, as implied by its name, which she perceived as an advantage.

“No Question Marks on the UNDP….” Female, Madaba, Balqaa, Mafraq 11. Perceptions towards the UNDP

Perceived Advantages of the UNDP

UNDP Projects are Excellent and Help Many People • Participants praised the efforts of the UNDP in terms of helping people in need, a majority of participants stated that the UNDP did an excellent job in trying to alleviate poverty. Others stressed the advantage of helping rural areas. Two participants in different groups mentioned that an advantage of the UNDP was the fact it reached areas that are very isolated and in desperate need of support.

UNDP Develop Countries • It was evident that participants thought that an advantage of the UNDP is the fact that it develops countries that need development and aid. • A majority of participants mentioned that the UNDP directly support sectors that are essential in improving the standards of living of people such as health and education. A majority of participants stated that the UNDP’s efforts in improving the health standards of the people was an excellent element of their areas of work. Other participants stressed the importance of the UNDP’s interventions in education. • Moreover, a few participants mentioned the strengths of the UNDP in terms of providing employment opportunities, training people in order to make them more skills. • A minority of participants mentioned the efforts of the UNDP in raising the standards of conserving the environment. Other stated the positive efforts of the UNDP in the IT fields, where one participants mentioned the strengths of the electronic village as a UNDP intervention. 11. Perceptions towards the UNDP

Perceived Advantages of the UNDP

The UNDP Is very Active • Only a few participants stated that the UNDP was active and had direct interaction with the people, which according to them was an advantage.

Has a good Money/ Startup Capital • One participant residing in the Jordan Valley stated that an advantage of the UNDP was that is had a lot of money that was directly spent on developing countries and improving the standards o living of people

UNRWA as an Intervention of the UNDP…. • It was also evident that a majority of participants linked the UNDP with UNRWA, stating that the UNRWA was an excellent intervention of the UNDP. This misperception is due to many reasons, as awareness levels are low in terms of the actual organizational structure and objectives of UNDP, and many participants confuse the term UN with its several major programs. • 11. Perceptions towards the UNDP

Perceived Disadvantages of the UNDP

• When participants were asked about the disadvantages of the UNDP, it was Perceived Disadvantages evident that participants were hesitant in mentioning the weaknesses as they of UNDP didn’t think there were many. However, after further probing, participants stated that the UNDP had a few disadvantages as outlined below: UNDP interventions are not Very Well Known The UNDP Do Not Promote Their Programs Effectively as Targets Have Low Awareness levels: UNDP Plans its interventions • It was evident that a great majority of participants had very low awareness and Projects Poorly levels regarding the UNDP and their direct programs and areas of work. People knew of the UNDP, but they didn’t know too much. The Aid Provided by UNDP is • One of the main disadvantages of the UNDP according to research participants NOT enough was that its efforts did not reach everybody in need, which is technically an impossible thing as the efforts are limited. Moreover, participants mentioned UNDP is controlled by the that their methods of interacting with the beneficiaries were poor, which USA signifies how much participants think that the support should be more direct. • The fact that the UNDP interact with the beneficiaries through other agencies, has contributed to the low awareness of participants, as they knew of the support provided by a specific association, but did not know that it was co- funded by the UNDP because it was not promoted. • A few participants in East Amman and Zarqa mentioned that they didn’t even know where their offices were, if they had offices in Jordan. Other participants mentioned that they had low awareness because they had never benefited from the UNDP, assuming that the UNDP provide direct aid like other associations in Jordan. 11. Perceptions towards the UNDP

Perceived Disadvantages of the UNDP Poor Planning of the Interventions and Means of Supporting the beneficiaries and Potential Beneficiaries. • It was also perceptible that participants considered that poor planning as one of the weaknesses of the UNDP. Participants felt that there were many faults in the way the UNDP was operating in terms of uneven distribution of the money, spending too much on consultants and the existence of too many decision makers. • Noticeably, participants thought that the process of receiving the aid was too hectic. One male participant in Irbid Ajloun and Jerash had the misperception of mentioning that he felt there were no studies that were directly targeting the poor, another felt that too much money was spent on the studies being conducted where this was causing inefficiency.

The Aid and Support was not enough and the UNDP should distribute their efforts to more areas and beneficiaries • Participants also felt that the UNDP efforts were insufficient. Many participants mentioned that the aid was mostly available for a short period of time, and did not have a long-term sustainability plan. Moreover, other participants felt that the support was monotonous and that the same people were benefiting, this implies that a more dynamic form of support strategy is needed. “The programs are good, but they don’t give solutions that The UNDP is controlled and directed by USA kill the problems from the • A few participants felt that the UNDP was controlled by the USA and roots. They are only short term he perceived this to be a disadvantage. Another Male in Aqaba felt solutions for a year or two, and that there were too many decision makers that affected the do not focus on sustainability efficiency of the delivery of aid. and continuity.” Group 10 11. Perceptions towards the UNDP

Perceived Target Beneficiary of UNDP Interventions

In order to acquire deeper insights concerning participants’ perceptions and beliefs towards the perceived target consumers (beneficiaries of aid) projective research techniques were implemented. The indirect questioning method was applied in order to acquire honest and accurate insights on participants’ perceptions and beliefs towards the perceived target market profile.

In order to determine the perceived differences and similarities between the target beneficiaries of aid, as opposed to non- beneficiaries of aid, a projective research technique was implemented throughout the group sessions. The diagram below was drawn by the moderator, and the following narration was explained: Let us imagine that there is a man named Hassan. Hassan 5 years ago in 2001 did not get support or aid from any support program. However, now in 2006, we are told that Hassan received aid/support from the UNDP after the year 2001.

Hassan BEFORE Hassan AFTER

2001 2006 5 years ago Current Time

The following diagram was drawn as to further elaborate the scenario generated

Participants were then asked to spontaneously describe the (BEFORE Hassan) prior to receiving the aid in 2001, and then they were asked to describe the (AFTER Hassan) subsequent to receiving the aid in 2006. Participants were required to characterize Hassan in terms of: age, residence, social class, house he lives in, the number of people living in his household, educational level, employment status, morale, marital status, his clothing and car owned if applicable. The following slides display results obtained concerning the perceived target users. 11. Perceptions towards the UNDP

Perceptions towards the BEFORE Hassan The majority of group participants indicated that Hassan belongs Majority: 40-50 Age to a relatively old age group ranging between 40-50 years. Minority: 25-30 However, a minority imagined him to be younger in between the ages Marital Married with 6-7 kids of 25-30. He was visualized as being a married man that has 6-7 Status Minority: Single children. In relation, his household was noted as incorporating 7-10 people altogether which was an indicator that his home is over Attire Simple, traditional gown, crowded due to the description of the household that was cited to be unkempt clothing (shirt and small and contain only one bedroom. trousers) Hassan was perceived to be from a very poor social background Car Does not own a car, walks as he was imagined to be uneducated and not owning a vehicle. instead, cycles or rides a horse. He was recalled as being forced to walk, or ride his horse to places he needs to reach. In addition, he was described to wear unkempt clothing Education Majority: Not educated Minority: 6th grade or traditional attire which portrays the image that Hassan is perceived education, or Tawjihi to be conventional and a simplistic man. His education standing was presumed by the majority to be minimal if not unavailable.

Residence Traditional neighborhoods, From the underprivileged imagery indicated concerning Hassan’s Jordan Valley, Northern welfare, participants assumed that he is experiencing depression, Governorates, Madaba. devastation and low spirits. His character was also described to be Minority: Amman nervous as his frustrations create him to become uneasy. Simple and small, one Interestingly, it was evident that participants visualized Hassan to House bedroom. live around their neighborhood. Karak residents mentioned that he would live in the Northern governorates in the country, while Madaba # of people Majority: Seven. and the Jordan Valley residents also mentioned their districts. In house Minority: 8-10. However, some Madaba residents depicted Hassan as living in Amman. This may denote that participants are experiencing or are Morale Depressed, devastated, tired, surrounded by people that are typically associated to Hassan’s nervous situation. 11. Perceptions towards the UNDP

Perceptions towards the AFTER Hassan After the obtaining the aid Hassan was observed to dramatically leap Attire Majority: Suit and tie and transform into an independent and secure individual. He was Minority: Jeans, cowboy pants imagined to encompass a higher standard of living altogether as participants claimed that he purchased a new car and has come to Purchased a new car, Car afford to employ a driver. He was also visualized as wearing elegant Exchanged his horse for clothing which include a suit and tie. a car, Has a driver His education status was imagined to have improved, to an extent that Education Improved his education one participant cited that Hassan has become a University professor. His career was noted as being successful since participants signified that Hassan has started his own project such as owning a farm or a Residence Amman, Shemaisani shop in addition to employing people as his subordinates in his field of work. Subsequently, Hassan was imagined to earn a monthly salary House Nice house, expanded his ranging from 200-500 JD’s. home, Built a new home, he now owns his new home Due to his accomplishments Hassan was also depicted as becoming a home owner who has expanded his old tiny home or Work Has a project, owns a built a new one to suffice the number of people living within it. He was Status Farm or shop, has people imagined to live in relatively privileged areas of Jordan as they identified working for him. Earns 200- areas such as Amman and specific areas in West Amman such as 500 JD’s per month. Shemaisani. Therefore, his morale was recognized to improve as participants pictured Hassan as becoming a content and comfortable Morale Comfortable, excellent, person in comparison to the past 5 years. happy And laughing The majority of participants did signify that Hassan almost completely switched his life around due to the aid he received. A minority of participants mentioned However, a minority of participants connoted otherwise and added that Hassan did not get affected by that they do not perceive Hassan’s life as being in any way the aid he obtained. affected by the aid he acquired. 11. Perceptions towards the UNDP

• It was evident that participants exaggerated when spontaneously citing the characteristics Hassan contains after he obtained the aid. Even though participants alluded to some negative aspects concerning UNDP’s process of offering aid it is still evident that they perceive the aid provided to be highly beneficial to their welfare and living standards as it is engraved in them to accept it as true.

• When UNDP Project Implementers were asked about their views of “Hassan” and how he was affected by the UNDP aid, it was evident that unlike other research participants, they didn’t feel that his standards of living had improved significantly. However they did visualize Hassan’s situation to have improved in terms of living in slightly better conditions. UNDP Project implementers felt that Hassan, due to the aid he received, could have bought an old second hand car, and probably got employed in a part-time job. Moreover, the project implementers felt that Hassan’s life had changed as follows: – His situation could have gotten better, but it definitely did not get worse – He became more cultured and aware – His financial situation got better, but he still had poor morale

• UNDP Project implementers stated that the interventions had affected beneficiaries in a positive way, even if the effects were not so bold, they mentioned that the projects and interventions mainly gave the people hope that things will get better. 12. Personal Experience: Perception of Beneficiaries 12. Personal Experience: Perception of Beneficiaries

How did they benefit from these projects-Introduction

• Research participants were asked about the projects they knew of, either through direct interaction or indirect interaction (projects their friends or relatives had benefited from), and were asked to share their experience with the moderator. The aim of this section was to find out how effective the development projects were, and how much they actually served their objective of supporting people and making their standards of living better.

• The main research finding indicates that participants, and their surrounding communities, had benefited from the past interventions. However, the research unveiled major problems and deficiencies in the provision of aid and support on behalf those responsible to managing the projects and interventions.

• Participants had benefited in several ways; by learning new skills, having access to financial support, gaining support to establish their own money generating projects, protecting the environment around them, creation of job opportunities and other benefits such as having better access to health services.

• The main indicate that the main problem with the projects and interventions was the way in which they were not designed for long term sustainability, and only tackled one angle of the problems imposed leaving many other areas neglected. The problems and negative aspects of the interventions will be tackled in this section. 12. Personal Experience: Perception of Beneficiaries

How did they benefit from these projects “The projects have developed Jordan a lot! Now Learnt a technical skill through training you can get loans, you can get educated, and they are creating job opportunities!”- Males. Aqaba

Better access to Loans “The best thing I gained was a better relationship with my local community, and the trust of the Security- Associations playing role of the people in it. I learnt how to find solutions for Government problems”. Female. Aqaba Better Social Services: Health and Medical “The UNDP have spent their money entirely and Care. Education. Support solely on developing our country Jordan, unlike the Raised the competencies of the USAID who spend 60-70% of the grants on beneficiaries and made them educated administrative fees”. Male. Aqaba

Access to education “Thanks to these projects, the locals are doing the job of experts that were recruited from abroad!”. Male. Aqaba Creation of Job Opportunities “The projects helped boost my confidence and improved my morale” Group 5 Better Standards of Living

“As much as you show interest and commitment to attaining support, that’s how much you receive in return”Group 9 12. Personal Experience: Perception of Beneficiaries How did they benefit from these projects- Training and Learning New Skills Learning Skills through training workshops: • It was evident that a majority of research participants had undergone training provided by leading associations in Jordan. The training courses taught local men and women skills that allowed them to enter the labor market more competitively. • Some research participants mentioned that they learnt new skills such as learning how to use the computer and internet, learnt how to sew and knit in order to sell their handmade items to others, others were taught teaching skills in order to assist in the education of the children in their districts. Some participants were also taught how to operate their businesses better in order to generate more income. Other participants were educated about various diseases, the importance of household cleanliness, and the importance of conserving the nature. • It was evident that the most popular associations and organizations that organized such training courses were the Jordan River Foundation, Irada, EJADA, GEF, UNIFEM, SIYB and EMPRETEC. “We learnt about things we never knew even existed!”- Group 5 “I am happy with these projects because they helped a lot of women in supporting their families”- Group 5 “I’m comfortable because these projects helped me change and improve my family living”- Group 5 “The electronic village project with UNIFEM taught us great computer skills”- Group 5 “The SIYB enabled me to learn skills I needed in order to open up a shop that sells nuts”- Group 5 “JTZ have trained so many people” Group 7 “Now we know how to handle the competition much better” Female, Aqaba 12. Personal Experience: Perception of Beneficiaries

How did they benefit from these projects- Better Access to Loans and Financial Aid

Better Access to Loans and Financial Aid • Amongst the issues that participants highlighted was the importance of having a source of financial aid that would assist them in kick starting projects and income generating activities. It was evident that the ease of attaining aid was still a major obstacle for the majority of research participants, stating that the interests rates were too high. Moreover, a majority stated that they did not know where to go to in order to apply for different forms of financial support. • However, a majority of participants stated that they were able to get loans and grants from various development associations that enables them to live out their dreams. The loans enabled a few participants, not only to set up their small businesses, but helped participants educate their children and get treatment for illnesses.

“A man took a loan and raised 100 sheep from just a few!”- Male, Karak Tafileh

“I educated my child with the loan I took from GEF”- Group 5

“They gave us sheep, and we were able to sell dairy products in order to raise money”- Group 5 “GEF came to us with a water irrigation project idea. They gave each one of us 200 JDs to plant trees. Until now, they follow up with with us to check if everything is ok”- Group 6

“GEF were great.. They gave us small grants”- Group 5 12. Personal Experience: Perception of Beneficiaries

How did they benefit from these projects- Better Access to Education Services

Better Access to Education Services • Throughout various sections of this research study, research participants highlight the importance of education as a means of becoming more successful during the difficult time of Jordan’s economic transition. It was evident that these projects and interventions played a great role in educating the research participants, whether via financial education grants or loans, or via raising the quality of the educational level in the Jordanian educational sector. • A few participants mentioned they were able to get educated free of charge thanks to the projects implemented by various associations, or were able to get a hold of loans that helped them educate their children. Moreover, the technical training given by these associations also made them more competent and able.

“UNRWA educated me”- Male, East Amman and Zarqa “I educated my child with the loan I took from GEF”- Group 5 “The Ministry of Planning had a program that was established to raise the competencies of teachers”- Group 3 “The British Embassy support 70 students to get educated”- Group 5 12. Personal Experience: Perception of Beneficiaries

How did they benefit from these projects- Better Standards of Living

Better Standards of Living through creation of Projects • Other projects helped Jordanians in raising their standards of living, and gave people the opportunity to establish businesses and projects that they could work and benefit from. • Other families benefited by projects that helped them raise a home garden that could bear fruits and vegetables in order to feed the household. Other participants benefited from the projects that built houses and shelters for them. “JRED gave us 500 JDs in order to start up a productive kitchen”- Female, East Amman and Zarqa “I collaborated with the university of Jordan on the Mashrou3 Al Tanawu3 Al Hayawi and started raising a bee farm”- Group 6

“Thanks to the Mashrou3 Al Hasad Al Ma2y I now have water to give to my bees”- Group 6

• Other families benefited by projects that helped them raise a home garden that could bear fruits and vegetables in order to feed the household. Other participants benefited from the projects that built houses and shelters for them. 12. Personal Experience: Perception of Beneficiaries

How did they benefit from these projects- Better Job Opportunities

Better Job Opportunities • Many of the projects implemented created new job opportunities for the locals.

“I sew and knit things at home, and the association pays me for my products”- Group 5

“The productive kitchen employed 10 women, who cooked for a living”- Group 6

“Nour Al Hussein with the ministry of planning started up a soap factory we could work in. They gave us the land and the plastic houses to start up the project ”- Group 6

“I was able to open up an ice-cream shop in Aqaba”- Female, Aqaba

“The UNIFEM electronic village created job opportunities for some women”- Female, Group 3 12. Personal Experience: Perception of Beneficiaries

Disadvantages of Development Programs in Jordan

• When asked about the disadvantages of the development projects in Jordan, a majority of research participants stated that they were not negatively affected by any of the interventions, however they stated that there were many areas in the delivery of such support that could be examined. • The following diagram illustrates the main weaknesses and drawbacks of the projects as perceived by research participants

Project Disadvantages As Perceived by Research Participants

Start-up money/loan is not enough Beneficiaries are selected with discrimination

Projects are not consistent in keeping in Salaries paid to people working in the touch with beneficiaries and potential projects are very low beneficiaries Projects are not studied well before being The Interest Rate on the Loans given is very implemented/ Don’t cater to needs of local High community Project Managers and Implementing Agents Aid/Support does not reach everybody/ are reaping more benefits than local Distribution channels are weak community 12. Personal Experience: Perception of Beneficiaries

Disadvantages of Development Programs in Jordan

• The main disadvantage perceived by a majority of research participants in relation to the effectiveness of the development programs and interventions implemented in Jordan was the poor planning and lack of follow up on behalf of project implementers (executing agents). • The majority of research participants felt that the interventions were lacking the attention from the experts initiating these projects, and often feel like as soon as the project is starts that’s were the attention from those responsible ends. Participants mentioned that they felt that a great deal of the efforts exerted by these projects were going to waste due to the fact that they left people half-way, not knowing what the next steps should be. For example, several training courses mentioned by participants educated them and gave them a specific edge through a new skill taught such as the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) program. However, participants felt that the training they got was insufficient as they didn’t know what to do and how to react to the new skills they had learnt, and didn’t know how to put them to good use in the real world. Moreover, the lack of follow-up on their situations after the projects are implemented meant that they had no source of support or assistance that would allow them to utilize their skills better.

“If there is no follow-up from the project implementers, our ideas will wither away an we loose enthusiasm”- Group 8 “I didn’t benefit because they promised to come back and teach us computer skills and the english language after they taught a few of the people residing in our district. They promised to come back and never did!” Male, Aqaba 12. Personal Experience: Perception of Beneficiaries

Disadvantages of Development Programs in Jordan

• Another major disadvantage of the development projects as perceived by research participants was the poor planning and lack of sufficient research that is conducted prior to the initiation of a specific project. A majority of research participants felt that the projects being implemented were not following a pre-designed agenda, and that a bulk of them were targeting specific segments that did not need the aid in the form provided to them. • It was evident that participants believed that there was no coordination between the various project implementers and executing agents in Jordan. The perception was that they were providing the same projects that affected each other negatively. An example of this was the Dairy Factory that the locals started up, which was ruined by the establishment of another dairy factory by the Ministry of planning. Participant felt that if there was a form of coordination with the project implementers they could have benefited both parties and stopped the competition that lead to the failure of both factories. • Moreover, participants felt that there was a lack of coordination between the project implements and the local people living in the local community. Participants viewed circled around the fact that project implementers could provide better services and serve the needs of the people better if they directly interacted with them to find out what their needs are. Many participants mentioned that a lot of the project implementers imposed projects on them without taking into consideration what the needs of the community or the available resources were. They perceived the locals to have more knowledge about what works for them and what doesn’t. • Another disadvantage as perceived by research participants was the fact that the project implementers didn’t utilize the local people to their full capacity, whilst granting foreigners and outsiders the jobs of running the projects. This, in the views of participants, undermined their efforts, as once again they believed they knew how to run the projects and customize them to better serve their needs. Participants felt they were stuck with the poorly paid, hard labor jobs and got paid very little for their efforts, whilst a huge bulk of the project grant was spent on the salaries of professionals that didn’t understand their community as well as they did. 12. Personal Experience: Perception of Beneficiaries

Disadvantages of Development Programs in Jordan

“They are implementing projects that are not required or already available”- Male. Aqaba “Jordanians get the poor labor jobs, foreigners get the managerial ones” Group 4

“Why pay foreign consultants “They conduct their meetings in the Dead thousands of JDs when we, the local Sea! Spend so much money on hotels and people living in the community, know logistics… and we cant attend them better what works and what doesn’t” because they are so far away.. Why don’t Group 7 they come here to us?” Group 9

“We opened a dairy factory, then the Ministry of Planning opened another factory and ruined both businesses in the process. If they established a farm to raise the cows and sheep instead we could have collaborated and succeeded!” Group 7

“CARE gave me money to buy sheep that I could raise in my farm. I can barely feed the sheep and take care of them now… the money was just not enough and they cost me too much to maintain”- Group 8 12. Personal Experience: Perception of Beneficiaries

Disadvantages of Development Programs in Jordan

• Another disadvantage perceived by research participants was the difficulty of getting hold of financial aid and loans. They claimed that the interest rates on the loans was always too high, and the risk of taking a loan was too high that they didn’t find the process of attaining funds that easy. • Moreover, participants cited that the majority of the jobs created were very poorly paid and the working conditions were difficult that they couldn’t entirely benefit from them. • On the other hand, there were several social factors that the projects did not cater to that prevented many from benefiting from projects. For example, many women due to cultural and social reasons could not benefit from opportunities presented to them (either husbands or parents would not allow them because it was considered shameful). • Moreover, the issue of wasta was also presented in this section, where participants felt that the projects helped people that had connections with the managers. For example, participants mentioned that you got employed or selected to work with a specific project if you knew someone running the project. Moreover, it was evident that there were other forms of corruption, as perceived by research participants, where they felt that some projects would utilize the skills of the local people and then submit the work under their name and get more credit than the persons who worked the projects. • Participants also raised the issue of the unfair or unstudied distribution of their efforts around the kingdom, stating that they focus a lot on specific areas that are more popular and have already got a lot of attention from several development agencies and projects. “I opened up a restaurant with a loan I got, it was going very well until all of a sudden the business went bad and I had to shut down. Now I pay 40 JDs from my 90JD salary in order to cover my debts and pay back for the loan I took”- East Amman, Females “Unemployment and poverty have risen.. Is the support aid really doing a good job?” Group 4 “Someone told me that INJAZ often come to see what the students worked on, and they take the work of the students and submit it as their own” Male, Aqaba 12. Personal Experience: Perception of Beneficiaries

Disadvantages of Development Programs in Jordan

- “NGOs and associations are trying to raise the standards of living”- Female. Aqaba

- “Aqaba is filled with qualified people, I have a database”- Female. Aqaba

-“NGOs would operate better without an intermediary. The money they take from the ministry of planning (the intermediaries) is spent on communications that waste time and money. Its corruption”- Female. Shunnah and Jordan Valley

- “For years they promised to implement projects, till now we have seen nothing” Female. Shunnah and Jordan Valley

- “I don’t support interventions and support/aid, because if any political problem occurs, the projects will be demolished”- Male. Karak and Tafileh

- “What happened is that development programs entered our lives before they developed the peoples minds about them” Female. Aqaba 13. Recommendations: Creating the Ideal Aid/Support for Jordan 13. Recommendations: Creating the Ideal Form of Aid/Support for Jordan

• “Good implementation of policies and programs to lift the poorest people of the world out of poverty is the major challenge facing the international development community” World Bank President James Wolfensohn June 4, 2002.

• More efficient delivery of infrastructure and social services in developing countries, and better targeting of these services to those most in need, are critical to alleviating poverty and developing economic opportunities for the poor. Traditional approaches to aid and public spending have often failed to yield sustained improvements in services, particularly for the poorest. Thus an important question is how to deliver and target public services in ways that promote efficiency and innovation, increase accountability for performance, and—in a world of limited budgets—leverage public resources with private financing. Output based aid: precedents, promises and challenges.

• Aid, put in simple terms, must act towards improving the standards of living of the targets, and make them feel as though their problems are being solved in order to facilitate their livelihoods. The following section outlines the main recommendations for the UNDP aid to be more effective based on the research participants that represent the civil society in Jordan 13. Recommendations: Creating the Ideal Form of Aid/Support for Jordan

1. Customize the Projects to Beneficiaries Needs Through In Depth Research

• According to James Manor, Institute of Development Studies- University of Sussex, “Donors, governments and civil society organisations are “flying semi-blind”, – because they do not know enough about what happens in the space between the intermediate and local levels”. From the findings of this research study, it was evident that participants felt that UNDP and other similar agencies were also “flying semi-blind” as they were not providing to the people customized projects that directly served their needs. It is essential that donor and other organizations find out what aid beneficiaries need in order to have a successful impact. Changes that will occur must be aligned with the requirements of the beneficiaries in order for them to feel the impact and noticeably increase their standards of living.

• It is evident that the UNDP and other donor agencies should shift away from the controlled "development project" towards a relationship that is flexible and sensitive to community level interests. The need to conduct thorough research was a recommendation presented by a majority of research participants. According to them, the success of any project or intervention relies heavily on proper research and analysis in order to identify the areas that need aid most, and to identify the most effective means of providing it.

• Many participants stated that conducting in-depth studies to find out what every area/district or village needs, prior to the commencement of the project would save a lot of wasted efforts and would reap more fruitful results. It was clear that a main disadvantage of the projects and interventions was the poor planning, and that the projects were not always customized in a way that would benefit a greater number of people in a certain area of sector. 13. Recommendations: Creating the Ideal Form of Aid/Support for Jordan

1. Customize the Projects to Beneficiaries Needs Through In Depth Research

• Another recommendation pointed out by research participants was the need to develop and enhance the existing projects that the people were currently working on, or planned to work on, instead of imposing new project ideas that did not work for them. Through an intensive research study, UNDP and other aid providers should delve deep into the daily lives of the people in a certain districts or governorate and find out what their main needs are. Moreover, UNDP should find out more about the local projects and find out how they could further develop them in order to become a source that contributes to people’s raised standards of living.

• Donors do spend money on research, which tends to give them control over the production of knowledge and information about specific areas. However, almost all of the research and policy analysis conducted and commissioned and paid for by donors, is led by foreign consultants. According to research findings, after finishing a contract in one country, international consultants move on to the next, and thus the skills and knowledge they build up are of no lasting benefit to the host country, Jordan.

• The role of foreign consultants that were brought in to manage and implement the projects being implemented, was a major concern for research participants. Participants recommended that the UNDP utilize the local labor force instead of bringing in foreigners, as this would create more job opportunities, allow the locals to feel more accountable through more ownership, and would provide a more customized service delivery due to the expertise of the locals in their own environment. Moreover, utilizing the local labor would minimize the inefficiencies caused by foreigners getting to know the area.

“Conduct a study for every area and district in order to find out what it specifically needs”- Male. Karak 13. Recommendations: Creating the Ideal Form of Aid/Support for Jordan

1. Customize the Projects to Beneficiaries Needs Through In Depth Research

• The projects need to be customized to suit the direct beneficiaries needs. According to research participants, projects should be done in collaboration with the locals living in the area where the project is to be conducted, this will allow the project managers and implementers to find out first-hand what is needed for a specific target.

• Moreover, the projects should be established as a response to the demand requests, as the UNDP should be able to provide for the people what they specifically need, and not what they “believe” is needed. A few examples of this improper type of support were presented throughout the research process, for example participants mentioned that if a specific area is fruitful in olive trees then a project that is related to olives should be established. Moreover, the locals should act out the role of consultants, as they are the ones that know best what to do with such olives.

• According to World Bank President James Wolfensohn, being partners rather than donors means working together to provide aid differently. UNDP must move to better coordinate its programs with a country's real needs and unite its support behind its own strategy for poverty reduction and programs that are developed with the involvement of the people they are intended to benefit. The following pages outline the main areas that the research highlighted as needing the most attention from UNDP. 13. Recommendations: Creating the Ideal Form of Aid/Support for Jordan

2. Create Projects that have Continuity and Sustainability- Long Term

• It was evident that a major disadvantage of the projects was their lack of continuity and sustainability in the long term. Research participants mentioned that many of the projects and interventions established would serve their needs in the short term and would fade out with time, making them feel like they are not benefiting as much as they should. It was evident that the projects were not a solution to their problems and were adding to their frustrations on some level. For example, participants that benefited from technical training workshops felt that they did not know how to utilize the new skills they had acquired, and felt they needed more assistance in terms of having more guidance from project implementers. Other participants felt that the training workshops were text-based and did not serve their needs in the real world.

• The “Time" dimension is fundamental. And UNDP must manage the expectations of "quick fixes" and "quick results“ that research participants were very focused upon, and raise their awareness regarding the time it takes to build an education system, a judicial system, and to establish the regulatory framework for private sector activities. The people need to be more aware about the sequencing of development activities, that in the long term will be a major source for their improved standards of living.

• Participants felt that projects should be created with a long-term vision, and tackle problems that could arise when the project period was over. Some participants mentioned the problem of having outsiders running the projects, and once they left the direct beneficiaries felt they took the projects with them because they were not trained to manage these projects themselves. As a recommendation given by research participants, projects should be able to create more job opportunities and have a multiplying affect. Those that directly benefited, should be able to benefit others just by living on the guidelines and benefits that the projects have created. 13. Recommendations: Creating the Ideal Form of Aid/Support for Jordan

2. Create Projects that have Continuity and Sustainability- Long Term

• Moreover, some participants mentioned that there should be a continuous form of aid, such as a salary that is earned from a job opportunity created, versus a lump-sum amount of money that is normally not utilized efficiently by a majority of receivers of aid.

• Marketing was also a major issue that participants felt needed to be focused on in order to make the projects more effective in the long term. According to research participants, opening a project is easy, marketing it is difficult. If beneficiaries are given support to establish their business, project or initiative, then it is necessary that they know how to promote it in order to benefit (either in terms of selling products the made, or promoting a specific cause or raising awareness). Knowing how to market a specific project that beneficiaries have worked on means that they are more inclined to maintain it in the long-term.

“We get grants that train women how to produce goods, but they don’t train them how to market and sell the goods they produced. If she sells them at home they ask her to pay taxes…” Aqaba, Female “Opening a Project is easy, marketing it is difficult”- Participant 13. Creating the Ideal Form of Aid/Support

3. Create Centralized Database of Project Beneficiaries

• Research participants noted that the UNDP and other supporting bodies are unable to track down records of all those that benefited, needed aid or needed further support in relation to the projects they benefited from. One recommendation given by several participants was finding out who really needs the aid by developing a database of contacts with detailed information pertaining to benefiting from specific interventions. It was evident that many times money and aid is going to the wrong people, or being given to the same person who is benefiting from specific interventions many times and not giving others a chance. For example, one woman in Aqaba took part in 65 training courses provided by different supporting entities.

• It is suggested that a central unit to be created that involves the major supporting organizations, to track down those who have previously benefited. The following page outlines a diagram based on participants suggestions that displays a central unit which works as a knowledge center for beneficiaries.

• There should be a fair distribution of projects in Jordan, as the research indicated that particular areas and targets were the main beneficiaries of support, and other areas were left neglected. Moreover, the issue of in-depth research outlined in the first recommendation would pinpoint those that are in most need for aid as opposed to others. Having a system that shows what is lacking in the various areas in Jordan, would lead to more equality of distribution of support interventions.

• Linking the various developments and interventions carried out by various local and international bodies would also prevent the overlap in projects being implemented, and give room for more people to benefit.

• It was also evident that participants felt that Wasta also controlled who got aid and who didn’t, therefore a centralized and transparent system would overcome this obstacle. 13. Recommendations: Creating the Ideal Form of Aid/Support for Jordan

3. Create Centralized Database of Project Beneficiaries

Central Unit would act as a database for all beneficiaries according to their National ID number. The database would track and Central Unit for All document all those that benefited from projects The flow of information Support/Aid and interventions, and would be should be two-way Programs in Jordan comprehensive of all forms of aid and support.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 The numbered gray circles represent a central body created in the 12 governorates in Jordan

The small blue circles represent the project implementers and various NGOs and associations in every district. 13. Recommendations: Creating the Ideal Form of Aid/Support for Jordan

4. Aid must Reach its Grassroots

• It is difficult to ensure that services and other development initiatives actually reach people at the grassroots; serious difficulties often arise when development programmes pass downward through the space between the district level and the local town level. Serious difficulties often arise as projects go across ‘the last mile’ before reaching the grassroots.

• To be effective, aid needs to reach its intended target. From research findings, it was evident that aid was not reaching all parties in need of aid. As much as this will require maximum time and budgets, it is still essential to target the areas that are in desperate need for services. If governments and donors develop congenial ties to civil society organisations – usually by drawing them into efforts to promote service delivery, the problem of the gap between the donors and the grassroots can be eased.

• UNDP currently has a network of project executioners who are responsible for reaching the grassroots of these various projects. However research findings showed that the network was not very effective, as a majority of people still felt that they did not have a direct source to refer to in order to benefit from the initiatives. Previous recommendations of conducting in depth research as to who is in most need for aid will assist the UNDP in finding out who those in most need are, and can contract various associations to target them and implement projects in their districts.. 13. Recommendations: Creating the Ideal Form of Aid/Support for Jordan

5. Become More Accessible to the Beneficiaries

• One of the main reasons, according to research participants, as to why many of them have not benefited as they should have was because they perceived the aid to be inaccessible to them. A great majority of participants did not know where to get support from, or how to benefit from various interventions. One of the most crucial recommendations, is for UNDP and other support providers to be accessible and available for people to seek.

• To meet the challenges of implementation there needs to be more interaction, as interaction acts as one of the leading voices for more aid and for greater aid effectiveness. Making the case for more aid and achieving greater aid effectiveness poses challenges not just for governments and for donors, but also for civil society organizations and businesses, as more transparency in how they operate is needed. UNDP and other donor agencies should be more ready to adapt to local priorities and needs and not imposing their agendas, and more willing to listen and even to embrace alternative views.

• Another recommendation is for project providers and donors to have more encouraging ways of approaching people in terms of building a sense of ownership on a specific project, governorate or even on a country level. When people feel encouraged and by a certain intervention, their enthusiasm will play a vital role in the success of the project. Aid and Support providers should try to interact more directly with the people, in order to become more known to them. 13. Recommendations: Creating the Ideal Form of Aid/Support for Jordan

5. Become More Accessible to the Beneficiaries

• One way of increasing their interaction with the people, and becoming more accessible to the people, is to have several branches or offices in the areas they are trying to develop. This would allow beneficiaries to have a source to contact throughout the project development and maintenance phase. The branches would also allow the people to manage certain projects more closely, and as previously mentioned would give an opportunity for the beneficiaries to run these projects.

• Becoming more accessible to the beneficiaries would also allow project managers to follow up with them on a more closer level. A majority of participants mentioned that a major weakness of the projects is that they were implemented and then left alone with no attention or follow-up. The UNDP should ensure that the project managers follow certain guidelines on following up with beneficiaries in order to find out if they are successful or need more support. According to research participants, without effective follow-up their efforts were going down the drain, as many projects needed monitoring and evaluation more continuously and systematically.

• Another way of becoming accessible to the beneficiaries is by holding monthly meeting in the district, governorate or locality where people have the opportunity to share their concerns and brief the project managers about latest developments. Participants were aware that meetings and conferences were currently being held, but their main recommendation was for the meetings to be held closer-to-home as many of them cant afford to travel. 13. Recommendations: Creating the Ideal Form of Aid/Support for Jordan

6. Educate the People. Keep them informed. Be more transparent

• Aid resources will be more effective and efficiently channeled to the people if practices are open and transparent. It was evident from sections of this report that participants had very positive views regarding the UNDP, directly associating it with the UN a credible and multi-cultured organization. Therefore, should the UNDP become more aggressive in promoting its efforts, instead of taking a managerial back-seat, people would be very receptive to their aid.

• As a major recommendation, UNDP efforts should be communicated more intensively to the Jordanian civil society in order to raise their awareness regarding efforts that are taking place in which they have no idea about. Communication has the power to promote public awareness and understanding of various issues and policies. Media communication has been and still is the key element in bringing about people's participation in promoting social movement for sustainable development.

• Communication will not only benefit the target beneficiaries, it also benefits the UNDP and other implementing agencies, as communication is also a process whereby the UNDP and other implementing agencies can learn a lot. Therefore, benefits can be maximized in the process of communication.

• One way to go about this is to have more promotions and PR activities related to the project at hand in order to raise awareness amongst targets that feel they are not benefiting. Not only will this allow them to utilize the projects, but will make them feel cared for by knowing that there are projects being developed to raise their standards of living. UNDP should try very rigorously to reach those that don’t know about the interventions, because even on a psychological level, people like to know that they are being taken care of. 13. Recommendations: Creating the Ideal Form of Aid/Support for Jordan

6. Educate the People. Keep them informed through transparency

• The role of the media should be enhanced, as many research participants felt the need to find out about the interventions taking place. Just knowing about the projects and interventions can build a sense of comfort and security as to how efforts are being exerted, even if they couldn’t see them up close. More communication should be utilized in order to:

– To convey information: to help targets become involved in social processes that determine the kind of society that we have. Information offered through the media can help communities lead a better life.

– To get action Getting the right thing done through people. The media promotes intelligent citizen involvement. By clearly bringing out the information on a particular problem or situation, the media helps sensitize and mobilize societies to take action on matters concerning their lives.

– To educate Some of the media activities involve discussions, question and answer sessions and skits etc. The more successfully a policy is popularized through communication, the more popular the policy becomes. 13. Recommendations: Creating the Ideal Form of Aid/Support for Jordan

7. Focus on Southern Governorates

• It was evident that participants from the southern governorates felt more isolated in terms of receiving aid and support from both donor agencies, governments and private sector activities. In terms of services, southern governorates seemed to be the most in need of efforts that would improve their access to education, health, and other general services.

• Although the trend indicates that the entire kingdom is lacking in health, education and general services, it was evident that the major cities had more facilities and services to the civil society living in these cities. It is evident that the Karak, Tafileh, Maan and partly Aqaba had very poor access to the services delivered in the central and northern regions of the kingdom.

• UNDP should exert more efforts, into establishing better service networks in the Southern Governorates. Building more schools, establishing more training centres and transportation systems that would facilitate their movements to regions which provided better educational services.

• Moreover, in terms of health, more efforts should be exerted in building more clinics and medical centres that the people could go to when faced with problems. 13. Recommendations: Creating the Ideal Form of Aid/Support for Jordan

8. Focus on Education

• Education is a precondition for development and it is the most important weapon against poverty. The conditions under which children grow up influence the society of the future. Lack of literacy is among the most important obstacles that prevent poor people from being able to exercise their rights and thus improve their social and economic situation. There is a clear correlation between education and economic and social development. Norwegian Strategy for Delivering Education for All by 2015- The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affair

• The management of any education system involves a complex balancing act of diverse priorities, opportunities and constraints. UNDP should improve their chances for success by attaining certain thresholds in educational coverage, quality and efficiency. One major problem facing Jordan’s educational system is that they do not have enough teachers to meet growing demand, and those in place, work under considerable stress in overburdened school systems, at very low wages and salaries. Jordan needs to focus on improving education quality by raising the skills and knowledge of the teaching force. Considerable progress is still required to improve the quality of instruction, which will spur even greater demand for education.

• According to research findings, the educational sector priorities should consists of the following: – Higher priority for education in general – Greater attention to the linkages between learning and labor market outcomes – Focusing public investment on basic education coupled with more household financing (charges) for higher education – Enhancing supply of qualified teachers (to exterminate massive teacher shortages) But it is not only the imperative of translating a target into sufficient numbers of teachers, but the support for teachers and teaching quality 13. Recommendations: Creating the Ideal Form of Aid/Support for Jordan

9. Focus on Good Governance and Eliminate Corruption

• The overall goal for UNDP should be to add to sustainable development that favours the underprivileged. In order to succeed, the fight against corruption should be a central element, and promotion of good governance should be a priority. One recommendations is to intensify efforts towards good governance and the fight against corruption. According to World Bank President James Wolfensohn, improving governance and resolving conflict is important so that the poor people no longer bear the brunt of mismanagement and corruption. Moreover, recognizing that corruption, lack of transparency, and conflict can defeat even the most effective development schemes, which in turn cripple the chances of the poor

• Corruption has been proven to be a growing concern to the civil society in Jordan. The research conducted reveals an alarming situation– as it is the poor are being hit the hardest by corruption which is coupled with poor governance. Although corruption in Jordan, as presented by research participants, was in the form of Wasta, personal connections and favouritism, (in addition to a few examples which were stated regarding the corruption of money handling), the civil society have been greatly affected by this trend.

• It is often difficult to delimit clearly what is corruption. What appears to foreigners to be illegitimate or illegal governance practices might be more acceptable locally. There is a risk that the international donor community, in its eagerness to promote good governance and fight corruption, will become ethnocentric. It may force third-world countries to adopt systems and practices that are suitable for western societies, but less well suited to the conditions in other parts of the world. There is a need to develop internationally accepted concepts of corruption, which define what behaviour should be criminalised as corrupt. NORAD 13. Recommendations: Creating the Ideal Form of Aid/Support for Jordan

10. Establishing specialized Associations in various sectors and fields

• According to UNDP project implementers, in order to help generate more projects and enhance the standards of living of the Jordanian people, several specialized associations should be established that would guide the people in the fields of their work. One of the main problems facing people was the production of a final product that would be appealing to the people and target audiences. These associations would serve as bodies that would provide them with technical skills, networking opportunities, guidelines on packaging and branding their products and help them find markets to sell these products to people. 13. Recommendations: Creating the Ideal Form of Aid/Support for Jordan Recommendations based on participants for creating the ideal form of Aid/Support

11. Develop Creative Approaches for Aid

• Participants also felt that a majority of the projects and interventions were monotonous and had the same ideas and also focused on the same areas. A major recommendation is to develop and create more creative ideas that would be more sustainable in the long run, and at the same time be more encouraging for beneficiaries. “We want less routine” participants stated.

• Moreover, another recommendation is to have a collaboration between the various associations and NGOs in order to monitor and find out what projects are already underway and which ones are being planned for. This way, donors and support providers would prevent the duplication of interventions that will backfire on each other if both are developed.

12. Other

Other recommendations based on research findings include: • Clarity- Projects should be very clear and understandable to the beneficiaries, so that they can know exactly how they are benefiting and how they can add their input and views. Information should be readily available to the targets. • Speed up the process of establishing projects- According to research participants, the time it takes for a project to be implemented was too long, which was leading to inefficiencies. Therefore, there should be a more systematic way to approach participants that would decrease the amount of time lost. • More projects: Finally participants mentioned the need to have more projects as they felt there were many areas that needed further development. 13. Recommendations: Creating the Ideal Form of Aid/Support for Jordan 13. Recommendations from the Youth: Focus on Sports • According to the younger participants of this research sty, the sports areas have not improved in Jordan over the past five years. Participants stated that there is no interest from the authorities and the government on sports, and that in comparison to other countries it has not improved as it should. Moreover, participants stated that the only minimum focus was on soccer and basketball whilst the rest were neglected

• Participants had major concerns regarding the unequal attention on sports in terms of gender, stating that the focus is mainly on male athletes and not females. It was evident that more attention should be paid to the girl athletes and players.

• Moreover, the importance of having a representative supporting figure (royal family member, or famous Arab athlete for example) for the youth’s sports and sports leagues was an important factor that would contribute to their success. According to participants, should a reputable organization such as UNDP support a certain sports club then the quality of its outcomes and performance will improve vastly.

• It was also suggested support and aid donors should provide technical support that would enhance the quality of management and their practices. Moreover, aid is needed in terms of providing more facilities for the athletes and players to evolve their skills. It was evident that the young athletic participants stated that they needed more playing fields, more equipment, and more qualified teachers and coaches.

“Even if girls are better, they still pay more attention to the boys” Young Participant- W. Amman “Us girls involved in weightlifting, have done an excellent job n comparison to the boys, but the problem is management does not know how to distribute the money and efforts equally, and so they end up helping the males only”- Young Participant- W. Amman “If there’s an important person representing us, people will want to impress him/her if he is on board” Young Participant- W. Amman 13. Recommendations: Creating the Ideal Form of Aid/Support for Jordan 13. Recommendations from the Youth: Focus on Sports • It was also evident that financial aid was needed to support the youth and the sports clubs, as the young generation felt that this was a very important element in their livelihoods. One suggestion given by the younger participants was to provide an employment opportunity to those that play a sport on a national level, in order to secure them and make them able to focus more on the sport than on having to secure an income elsewhere.

• According to research participant, the 5 important things that need to be available in order to cultivate the livelihoods of sports and recreation in Jordan are: Proficient Managers, Proper physical educational culture and policy of the Sports Club, Qualified Staff, Financial Support (Facilities, Transportation), Proper training for the players, and an Atmosphere of enthusiasm and Encouragement for players

• It was evident that participants thought that no foreign bodies support sports clubs in Jordan from larger bodies such as the UNDP. It was a recommendation in this area that UNDP should conduct studies to find out what is missing for the youth in Jordan in terms of sports, as it was as important as education to them. The participants stated that the government supported the sports culture in Jordan, but not in a consistent and planned way.

“If I am secure financially, through having a job and a fixed income, I will be more comfortable and will have more time to play sports and practice often” Young Participant- W. Amman “Qualifications of those running the sports clubs and centers are of very poor standards. They are not qualified”- Young Participant- W. Amman “Soccer players in the football league are considered employees in the Municipality of Amman. Why don’t they make this a set rule/standard?” Younger Participant 14. Appendices