The Jordan Times - Society strives to preserve, protect Jordan's heritage

By Zain Khasawneh

AMMAN - For over half a century, the Friends of Archaeology and Heritage Society (FoAH) has worked to protect the Kingdom’s many archaeological sites and educate Jordanians about their country’s thousands of years of history. Launched in 1958, the FoAH is a voluntary, non-profit association that seeks to expand public awareness of Jordan’s heritage, as well as the protection and preservation of the Kingdom’s cultural assets.

Today, the society’s efforts are focused on raising awareness and interest, especially among young people, about archaeology and the importance of preserving the Kingdom’s unique historical sites, FoAH President Sharifa Nofa Bint Nasser told The Jordan Times recently. This includes activities such as lectures by experts and field trips to historical sites both in Jordan and abroad.

A major goal of the FoAH today, Sharifa Nofa indicated, is to bring its work into schools by holding awareness campaigns and establishing archaeology clubs, to get students interested in the country’s ancient history and heritage at an early age. The activities of the society aim at fostering pride in Jordan’s heritage and enhancing communication between generations, she told The Jordan Times.

The society has successfully established active clubs at several schools, including the Ahliyyah School for Girls, whose archaeology club is run by teacher and active society member Khawla Goussous.

Goussous said that through her work, she hopes to inspire her students to love and take pride in their country’s heritage, as well as to arouse their curiosity in the history of their ancestors.

She said FoAH is actively working to encourage more students who are interested in learning more about Jordan's archaeological heritage to take part in the society’s programmes and activities through the archaeology clubs.

 

“We are keen to attract young people and students in both schools and universities,” she said.

 

Membership in the society is open to anyone with a passion for archaeology and a desire to help protect Jordan's heritage, Sharifa Nofa said.