Syrian refugees in Jordan can now receive training in the conservation of cultural heritage threatened by conflict thanks to an investment by the World Monuments Fund (WMF) of over 500,000 pounds.
The World Monuments Fund has secured 536,000 pounds from the British Council's Cultural Protection Fund for a new heritage conservation training program in Jordan for Syrian refugees.
The award is part of the British Council and the UK government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport's fund for economic and social development through capacity building. The aim is to protect and promote cultural heritage affected by conflict overseas.
Training to safeguard culture
WMF and its British affiliate, World Monuments Fund Britain, are to work with Petra National Trust in Jordan to create a training facility and recruit a catalyst group of qualified candidates who, once trained, can become mentors for subsequent trainees in the 18-month program.
"The program recognizes that cultural heritage is a source of pride and identity for those displaced by conflict and that when rebuilding efforts begin in earnest, there will be a need for qualified professionals and craftspeople," the US non-profit organization said in a press release.
The program also involves implementation of a teaching programme in local schools "to present heritage sites as an inspiration and show connections between the history, architecture, and traditions of the region that can transcend contemporary national boundaries".
On a practical level, the course is to include training in stone cutting; manufacture of molds, templates, and maquettes; repair of damaged masonry; stabilisation of arches, vaults and domes; underpinning and reinforcement of foundations; hoisting and lifting of stone block; methodologies for grouting and pinning masonry surfaces; lime technologies; surveying; stone selection and quarrying; cleaning historic stone; mortar analysis; and other related masonry conservation skills.
Opportunities for the future
At the end of the course, participants will receive a diploma that will make it easier for them to find work in this sector. "In recent years we've witnessed the devastating impacts of human conflict on the Syrian people and their treasured cultural sites, and we are eager to help renew community strength through this exciting new initiative," WMF President and CEO Joshua David said. "This project addresses a significant need to assist displaced Syrians, many of them young and in search of a future, and provides valuable skills essential to heritage conservation", added John Darlington, executive director of WMF Britain.