Italian NGO provides short-term work on archaeology restoration projects

AMMAN — The Association of Volunteers in International Service (AVSI Foundation) is an Italian NGO which launched a series of projects aiming to train and employ Jordanians and Syrians in the Kingdom’s workforce.

The foundation’s focus is on the conservation and presentation of archaeological sites at Petra and Rihab, noted Fadi Hrimat, manager at the AVSI office in Amman. 

Through the project, AVSI introduces potential candidates to the tasks available. After identifying the level of work needed at the site, the foundation checks each candidate’s ability, experience and willingness to complete the task. Foundation staff assigns various tasks to candidates according to their skills.

The project uses the “Cash for Work” method, through which assigned workers performed agreed upon operations concerning tasks related to conservation of archaeological sites and rehabilitation of public green spaces and receive a regular payment, Hrimat said. 

The foundation’s project provides short-term employment opportunities that grant workers a decent income and a training opportunity, while at the same time contributing to the broader social good. 

The “Cash for Work” method is also a very effective and efficient way to raise local communities’ awareness regarding green spaces and archeological sites, thus helping enhance local ownership of public spaces and cultural heritage, Hrimat explained.

“AVSI is planning to continue working on the ongoing projects and their activities, including the restoration of the watermill in Petra, and the restoration of the heritage houses in Rihab, as well as the tourist trail,” Hrimat said. 

In Rihab, AVSI is continuing its work on the restoration of various archaeological sites in cooperation with UNESCO, as well as archaeologists and experts in mosaic restoration. 

AVSI is also supporting the Rihab Municipality and five other municipalities in Mafraq Governorate, including the Greater Mafraq Municipality, to develop their local plans, in collaboration with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and the European Union, he added.

AVSI Jordan continues its projects in Jordan’s various governorates, especially in the country’s most vulnerable areas, in cooperation with the local authorities. Each project takes into consideration the priorities and most urgent needs as set by the government of Jordan, organisers outlined.

“AVSI collaborates with many organisations, donors and local authorities in Jordan, including: the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), AECID, UNESCO, the Department of Antiquities - Ministry of Tourism, the Petra Development Tourism Regional Authority, the Ministry of Social Development, in addition to some Italian NGOs including TdH Italy and ARCS, and various local CBOs,” Hrimat said.