Amman Voice: Amman Voice

Showing posts with label Amman Voice. Show all posts

December 12, 2007

Ruwwad - Leading Jordan Development

Photo (Ruwwad)

Ruwwad is the first organization in Jordan to be funded solely by individuals and companies from the private sector and was initiated with the purpose of acting as a catalyst for members of marginalized communities to work together to meet the needs of their communities as identified and prioritized by themselves.

Programs:

- Shababeek (Windows)

- Jeeran (Neighbors)

- Madaress (Schools)

- Dardashat (Chat Sessions)

- Shams il-Jabal Library

- Mousab Khorma Youth Empowerment Fund

To get more information and volunteer go to http://ruwwad.net/

Jabal Nathif, photo (Ruwwad)

Know who lives in your backyard?

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

Building what and why Amman?

Watch out the Ceiling

More NGOs or more money makers

Volunteer in Amman

December 10, 2007

Know who lives in your backyard?

Wanna know who was left behind in the new Amman planning strategy. Watch this video!

Type rest of the post here

Amman is a city best enjoyed on foot, yet we plan our streets for cars. Amman City's streets are the soul of its neighborhoods and the pathways to it’s destinations. For generations, Jordanians and visitors have strolled, shopped and socialized on sidewalks and street corners. Pedestrian friendly streets are the city's most fundamental assets.
Unfortunately, we aren't making the most of these assets. Instead, our streets are being managed almost entirely for
traffic flow, with neighborhoods and business districts buckling under increasing amounts of dangerous car and truck traffic. If we continue planning our streets for cars and traffic, we will get more cars and traffic; conversely, if we start planning our cities for people and places, we will get more people and places. Streets are more than just car corridors; they are valuable civic spaces and resources that need to be wisely allocated. We need to start thinking about a campaign building the movement to re-imagine our streets as lively public places.

The Benefits of Great Streets

Stronger Local Economies
- Shoppers are walkers: improved pedestrian life supports local businesses and jobs.
- Street investments enhance real estate values and increase the tax base.
A Sense of Community
- Great streets create emblematic places that define communities.
- Sidewalks serve as public venues shared by people of the diverse ethnicities and ages.
- Vibrant streets encourage local pride and volunteerism.
Improved Safety and Security
- Making neighborhoods safer for pedestrians and bicyclists saves lives.
- More "eyes on the street" actually reduce crime and increase residents' sense of security.
Better Access for All
- Reduced emphasis on cars and parking makes transit, walking, and biking more viable options.
- Walkable streets are comfortable public settings for people of diverse abilities.
- Community assets, jobs, and services become more accessible.
Healthier Cities
- Increased walking makes for a healthier population.
- Decreased traffic volume and congestion reduces pollution.
- Streets as public venues combat isolation and depression.
Wise Development
- Investing in streets is an efficient use of existing infrastructure.
- Increased foot traffic attracts new development and businesses.
- Success fosters ongoing investment.