» The Stitching Begins! | The Advocacy Project

Allyson is a graduate student at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, where she is pursuing a master's in Human Security and Gender in the Middle East. Prior to Fletcher, Allyson spent two years in Tunisia teaching English with AMIDEAST, learning Arabic at the Bourguiba Institute for Modern Languages, and travelling. She also worked for Layalina Productions, Inc., a DC based nonprofit that produces award winning films and television series that aim to bridge the divide between the Arab world and the United States. At Layalina, Allyson served as Coordinating Producer and Production Supervisor for "Yemeniettes," a documentary that follows a team of teenage girls as they strive to break barriers of traditional Yemeni society through entrepreneurship. She is incredibly excited to return to Jordan, where she first studied abroad in 2010, and learn more about the issues facing Iraqi and Syrian refugees in Amman through working with the Collateral Repair Project. Allyson is originally from New Hampshire, and holds a BA in Government from Smith College in 2011. After her fellowship, Allyson wrote: "The training I received from AP ensured that I would be able to contribute to my host's efforts in a meaningful way. Knowing that I was able to build capacity and contribute to sustainable programs made my fellowship experience not only useful for my host, but rewarding for me."

28 Jul

On Wednesday the ladies of the Hope Workshop met to share their headway with stitching the advocacy quilt squares. The progress from our meeting a short few days ago is incredible! Once the style of stitching was decided, the women went to work on the designs at home, and continued stitching at today’s meeting. Many of the designs include small details, including words, faces, and footprints. The skill and artistry of the Workshop members really shines through in their designs.

A dove of peace, carrying a branch with TNT bombs

This square shows one woman’s home and how it was destroyed during the war in Iraq

This woman’s square shows the plane she came to Jordan in, Iraq, and her two sons

The designs represent memories or stories from each woman’s life, reflecting their experience as a refugee here in Amman. Each Hope Workshop member will produce two embroidered squares for the advocacy quilt project, so these are only the beginning! Check back here for more updates. Profiles of the women and the stories behind the embroidered squares are coming soon.

Shatha shares a laugh with mother and daughter, both members of the Hope Workshop

Posted By Allyson Hawkins (Jordan)

Posted Jul 28th, 2016

Karen Delaney
August 4, 2016

What a great group of talented women – the squares are looking fantastic! I love the advocacy quilt project because it goes beyond income generation, as it helps these women tell their stories. Keep up the good work Ally! Love from DC

The Stitching Begins!

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Karen Delaney

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