news
(July 09) Durham University: In July the Women’s Co-operative is very much looking forward to a visit from a group of students from Durham University Charities Kommittee (DUCK). This will be their second visit. While in Safawi they will be helping people with language and computer skills teaching.
(May 09) USAID and Mercy Corps: An agreement has just been signed to help the community to upgrade its domestic water supply. Projects include switching to more effective irrigation techniques, installing rainwater harvesting cisterns to store drinking water, and helping sheep and goat breeders quench their animals' thirst without wasting water. This help has been greatly needed.
(Apr 09) Geographical Association Conference: In April 2009 two of the Jordanian team attended the GA Conference to support our exhibition stand. They also visited a number of schools in Durham, Norfolk and London as well as the Peak National Park and two sustainability projects that may interest other schools: Beechenhill Farm and Sustainable Youlgrave.
(Apr 09) GeoActive Article: One of our team, Simon Ross, has written an article for the on-line Geography resource, GeoActive, entitled: “The Badia, Jordan: Sustainable Development in a Hot Desert Environment” Series 20 Summer issue Unit 418. To sign up for this series of publications produced by Nelson Thornes go to www.geo-active.com . Other articles are in the pipeline.
(Apr 09) Badia Classwork and Fieldwork Exercises: Our first publication containing 74 classroom exercises and 33 fieldwork exercises appeared in time for the GA Conference. If you wish to purchase the whole publication this can be provided on CD at £10/copy (UK) or £12/copy overseas. Email us
(Dec 09) Fund Raising: At the end of 2008 the children of Staindrop School, Durham, UK raised a remarkable £1000 to help the Safawi Women’s Co-operative to renovate a further building, which they plan to use to provide a facility for youngsters with learning disabilities.
(Oct 08) First Field Workshop: Our first field studies workshop was held at the BRDC Field Centre at Safawi. For details see the Workshops link on this site.
