Child Sponsorship Background from Irbid, Jordan

SOS Children's Village Irbid

SOS Children's Village Irbid was officially inaugurated by Queen Noor on 23 November 1999.  It is situated in an eastern suburb of Irbid. 

The SOS Children's Village consists of twelve family homes (for up to 110 children), an administration and service area, the village director's house and a house for the so-called SOS aunts (SOS mother trainees or family helpers who support the SOS mothers during their daily work and fill in for them when they are ill or on leave).

Other SOS Projects in Irbid

In July 2002, a two-storey SOS Youth House for girls was added to the SOS Children's Village.  With only one educator to take care of them, the girls are quite independent and have to take responsibility for their lives.  For youngsters from the SOS Children's Villages, moving to an SOS Youth Home is usually the first step towards an independent life. 

SOS mothers, educators and village directors prepare the youngsters very carefully for this important step in their lives.  Young people usually stay at the SOS Youth Home until they have finished their education or training and found a job.

Background to Irbid

Irbid, known in ancient times as Arabella, is the capital and largest city of the Irbid Governorate, and third largest city in Jordan with a population of around 80,000.   It is located about 70 km north of Amman, where SOS Children also works, on the northern ridge of the Gilead.  Its geographical location means it is a gateway to Syria, Lebanon and Iraq.