Clean technology ambassadors are changing Jordanian communities By Dara Al-Masri
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he last time Ahmad Nahnoush visited a family’s house to check their new electricity bill, he noted a reduction of 25 Jordanian dinar (about $35 USD) from the previous month’s bill and felt a sense of accomplishment. The 27-year-old geology engineer is one of 108 ambassadors working with Future Pioneers — a Jordan-based non-profit organization specializing in community empowerment — to raise awareness about the use of clean technologies in the Jordan Valley area. He has always been interested in
environmental issues, including ways of decreasing the human impact on the environment and reducing waste. “I have so many ideas for recycling or reusing waste, but I did not find an organization or fund that can support me to implement,” he said. One of his ideas is to reduce plastic waste by collecting plastic waste and turning it into floor tiles that are lightweight, easy to install and environmentally friendly. Being a science teacher, Nahnoush enjoys sharing his ideas with students and raising awareness about photos by Dara Al-Masri
Ahmad Nahnoush enjoys raising awareness about clean technologies among his community. The Marketplace July August 2019
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environmentally friendly practices and initiatives. This is one of the reasons why he joined Future Pioneers as a community mobiliser and ambassador for clean technologies. Future Pioneers is one of the partners that work with MEDA’s Jordan Valley Links (JVL) project which aims to build the capacity of women and youth to become clean technology entrepreneurs. The project, funded by Global Affairs Canada, is implemented through partnerships with several groups, including community-based organizations (CBOs) such as “Min Ajliki Ya Biladi”, which means “For You My Country.” Run by 24-year-old Waed Al Blaylat, it is one of many working in different areas of the Jordan Valley. Nahnoush works as part of Al Blaylat’s organization to raise awareness in South Shouneh, an area in northwest Jordan. The overall campaign brings together community influencers. It trains them to promote the adoption of clean technologies (such as solar/photo-voltaic systems, energy-efficient air conditioners, etc.) within their communities. It also raises awareness on topics such as environmental sustainability, including ways to reduce resource consumption and decrease their impact on the environment. “It is so easy to use renewable resources in our area, but people are not aware of the low costs and how much they could reduce the impact on the environment by adopting
