The Karaman Family: Nurturing Life with Water Conservation
Khadija's family in Za’atari camp conserves water, creating a garden and teaching conservation to children.
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In Za’atari camp, the Karaman family stands out for their resilience and ingenuity. Khadija, the mother of nine, has found innovative ways to conserve water, a precious resource in the camp.
"As we have such a large family, it is hard to conserve water. Everyone needs it, but we try our best to conserve water so we don’t run out. For example, we made a small family garden in our yard, and whatever water we use to clean or do the dishes, we don’t just pour it down the drain. We take this water and reuse it to water the plants, and it works brilliantly."
When the Karamans first arrived, the area around their shelter was barren and dusty. But after ten years of planting and reusing water, they now have a few plants and trees that make their home much more hospitable.
Noor, Khadija's 12-year-old daughter, shares her enthusiasm for their garden. "I enjoy helping my mother with the housework, especially watering the trees outside. I love them; they are my favorite things in the camp. When the trees bear fruit or the plants flower in the spring, I get very excited and happy and check on them every now and then."
Noor has also learned the importance of water conservation from her parents. "I have learned never to use clean water on the plants because we would run out of water," she says.
The Karaman family's story highlights the critical role of water conservation and the support of UNICEF in improving their lives. Through their efforts, they are able to maintain a green and friendly space within their household amid scarce water resources, demonstrating resilience and hope for a better future.
Za’atari camp, home to over 78,500 residents, benefits from UNICEF's water, sanitation, and hygiene services. Established in 2019, these household-level systems ensure stable access to clean water, safe sanitation, and reduced operational costs, enhancing residents' quality of life.
