Tarabot - 'Solidarity'

15th - 31st October. Part 3

After the start of our internship took longer than expected, Sophia and I finally start our internship at Tarabot on October 17th. On the first day of work, I oversleep for the first time since I arrived in Jordan. Instead of walking to Tarabot as planned, I arrive with an Uber driver who is not quite familiar with the area, three quarters of an hour later than Sophia and agreed upon. Fortunately, it's not a big deal: we learn that there are no children there in the early morning, whose care will be our main task, so we don't have to be punctual at 8 o'clock. Instead, we can participate directly in the Tarabot program today: in the morning, an external trainer offers a creative workshop for women. We create beautiful pictures with nails and colorful threads (Sophia and I under the curious observation of all other participants). Then, the aerobics class, which takes place once a week for women. And it's really a special experience. After observing various women with hijabs and long coats disappear into the classroom, we are presented with a completely different picture when we enter the room ourselves shortly afterwards: all the participants now have their hair down and wear tight sportswear, and the aerobics instructor even wears a belly dance-like outfit. And that's the program: hips are swung and bottoms are wiggled to the fullest, accompanied by loud music and to the delight of all participants. That's the last thing I would have expected here. I admit that openly and honestly. And I really like it.

All of our contacts and colleagues at Tarabot are really nice, helpful, in a good mood, and always up for fun. Just like Dr. Amina, the boss. She has a completely beautiful, respectful, and appreciative way of interacting with all of her employees, and she always manages to cheer everyone up with her jokes. After only a week, she invites Sophia and me to her home to join her and her family for the usual family get-together on Friday. We are welcomed there with a lot of warmth and affection, we sing and laugh together, and eat Maqluba, a traditional Arabic dish with vegetables, rice, and chicken. Dr. Amina tells us that her doors are always open to us from now on.

As mentioned before, our main activity at Tarabot is childcare, which Sophia and I enjoy doing. The joy comes automatically from the adorable children who sit in front of us every day and try to communicate with us in Arabic, more or less successfully. Sophia and I try to teach them a few words in English in return, either by showing or by singing English children's songs, which are very well received. Soon, our English lessons will be included in the Tarabot program as well (In sha Allah!), so we will officially work as English teachers for three hours once a week.

Apart from keeping the kids busy with painting, crafting, singing, and playing with building blocks, we can also continue to participate in the regular Tarabot program: cream workshops for women, accessory workshops for girls, puppet shows by older children, and art workshops with younger children, as well as aerobics with the ladies. Occasionally, other tasks come up, such as sorting donations or helping out in the clothes storeroom (more of a warehouse full of new and used clothes) that is located on the floor below Tarabot. Additionally, there are music and art classes by external trainers every Saturday, which we unfortunately haven't been able to attend yet. When Dr. Amina finds out that Sophia and I can play instruments, she magically produces a guitar and a violin, which Tarabot recently received as donations. So, this is our motivation to get our own guitar. Now we just need to find some time to practice.

One thing should be mentioned regarding our internship: Abu Wahid. Abu Wahid is a tiny restaurant right next to Tarabot, with the same name as the cook and owner. When we were looking for something to eat during our very first lunch break, we completely missed it. In the narrow space of maybe 12 square meters, there is a tiny kitchen at the back where Abu Wahid prepares incredibly delicious potatoes, salads, hummus, and sandwiches, which we were instantly hooked on on the first day. Back then, Abu Wahid also wanted to take a picture of us, which we certainly didn't refuse. Just one day later, Tarabot's employees found this picture on his Facebook page, with the remark that even foreigners come to eat at his restaurant. This statement actually has some truth to it here in East Amman: no one from outside who doesn't have to be here ever ends up here.