Panama donates sports equipment to UNICEF project

AMMAN — The government of Panama on Sunday announced donating sports equipment to UNICEF in support of children’s access to play in the Zaatari refugee camp, in Mafraq.

Panamanian Ambassador to Jordan Tomas Antonio Guardia signed the donation agreement in Amman with the UNICEF Deputy Representative Ettie Higgins.

“We are extremely grateful to the government of Panama for their support for quality play and recreation facilities for vulnerable refugee children in Jordan,” said Higgins.

The contribution includes gym equipment, footballs and sports clothing and shoes, and will help improve refugee children’s access to sport in UNICEF Makani centres, a statement sent to The Jordan Times said.

“Sport helps improve children’s health and learning and boosts their self-confidence, building a spirit of collaboration, teamwork and energy amongst communities in Zaatari,” the UNICEF official added.

Makani (“My Space” in English) is a comprehensive approach initiated by UNICEF in Jordan that gives children in refugee camps and host communities access to integrated learning, protection and youth services.

Programmes in Makani centres are designed to promote and contribute to children and young people’s full development and well-being — educational, physical, cognitive, social and emotional, the statement underlined.