The Carpenters’ Son Foundation board members Fred Doeze Jager and René Kolsters, together with his son Thomas, travelled to Jordan at the end of June 2021 to meet people from the foundation’s network, and to make an inventory of potential projects. Below you will find the sixth part of their travel report:

“Today was a very special day. We had been invited to visit His Royal Highness (HRH) Prince Mired. He is chair of The Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (HCD). To be honest, we were quite nervous. We were dressed up in suits, of course. But our nerves dropped quickly with the warm welcome by his secretary and right hand Alia. We immediately felt comfortable by her relaxed attitude and her contagious cheerfulness. During the Brother Andrew Memorial, HRH Prince Mired sent a message of compassion, for he was Brother Andrew’s dear friend. That’s how we got in contact with his secretary Alia. After so many WhatsApp messages, we felt that a bond was formed. 

Put your money where your mouth is
It’s great to experience how the HCD puts their money where their mouth is: Alia is disabled herself, due to brain damage she suffered during her birth. But her enthusiasm, her intelligens and her willingness to take action are unprecedented. During the conversation with HRH Prince Mired, we found out that she is well informed. Upon recommendation of the prince, she immediately contacted the Dutch embassy to arrange a visit for us later this week!

A lot of work is still to be done in Jordan. We are certain that The Carpenter’s Son Foundation can help out. The exact way of helping out still has to be found. But, according to the prince, we can continue our conversations in online meetings. So we see a lot of options there.