Ala's

He took me to Ala's store, where I met Ala 'and his brother and mother and learned about his story.

Global Voices in English » Jordan: Community Work Changing Lives

Tawfiq and Khaled are two friends who go to the mosque where Ala's had his humble business.

Global Voices in English » Jordan: Community Work Changing Lives

Ala's father died when he was a teenager, and left his son to shoulder the responsibility of caring for a family of five.

Global Voices in English » Jordan: Community Work Changing Lives

The guys even reached out to the nearby school, whose headmistress encouraged the students to support Ala's business.

Global Voices in English » Jordan: Community Work Changing Lives

Neighbors and Ala's friends stayed up late working, moving stuff, cleaning, or lending a hand.

Global Voices in English » Jordan: Community Work Changing Lives

To ensure the project's success, Tawfiq and Khaled started to implement ideas to help sustain Ala's new business.

Global Voices in English » Jordan: Community Work Changing Lives

Ala's told his friends that he was arrested by the Ministry of Social Development, and that his work is no longer feasible, but that he has no other choice.

Global Voices in English » Jordan: Community Work Changing Lives

After the work was completed Ala's business started to take off and his income doubled.

Global Voices in English » Jordan: Community Work Changing Lives

Fortunately, Ala's vessel is one of the speediest, and they were able to gain on us from the start.

A Columbus of Space

Ala's manner showed that she was deeply chagrined, and thus our trip, which had opened so joyously, ended in gloom, and we were glad when the car again touched the platform, and our guests departed.

A Columbus of Space