The journey of Lara Al-Tamimi with the Institutional Nursery at the Ministry of Labour

AMMAN, Jordan (ILO News)- I am Lara Al-Tamimi, Director of the Policies and Studies Directorate at the Ministry of Labour, and I’ve been with the ministry since 2015. Over the years, I’ve witnessed many changes and developments in the ministry, but one of the most profound experiences—both on a personal and professional level—has been the rehabilitation of the Ministry of Labour’s nursery, made possible through the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

This initiative came as a ray of hope, especially for working mothers like me, who often found themselves torn between career responsibilities and their role as a mother. As a mother of young children, I constantly worried about how I could balance my professional duties with providing the care and attention my children needed. Throughout my workday, thoughts of my children’s well-being were always at the forefront: Are they safe? Are they being properly cared for? Are they feeling secure and happy?

© ILO/ 1 April 2024/ Amman, Jordan

© ILO/ 1 April 2024/ Amman, Jordan

When the ILO stepped in to support the transformation of the nursery, it wasn’t just about creating a better childcare facility; it was about creating peace of mind for the many working mothers in the ministry, including myself. The initiative addressed two crucial aspects that had long been neglected: the training and requalification of nursery caregivers through the technical support of the ILO and SADAQA, and the complete overhaul of the nursery’s infrastructure.

With the technical training provided by SADAQA, our nursery staff received a comprehensive training programme focused on not just basic childcare skills, but also on understanding the holistic needs of young children. The caregivers were taught how to address the children’s psychological, emotional, and educational requirements, transforming their roles from caregivers to key participants in the children’s developmental journey. This training gave us, as mothers, huge reassurance that our children were in capable hands that were committed to nurturing their growth, well-being, and development.

Equally significant was the physical transformation of the nursery itself. What had once been a basic childcare centre was completely redesigned to become a vibrant, safe, and stimulating environment for the children. The nursery was thoughtfully crafted with careful attention to ventilation, natural light, and accessibility. The flow of space was designed to allow smooth circulation, ensuring that children, caregivers, and parents alike could move around safely and easily. This wasn’t just about functionality—it was about creating a space that would positively impact the children’s development and provide them with the best possible environment to learn and grow.

The nursery is now brimming with colour, energy, and life. The space has been designed to stimulate the children’s intellectual and social development, with every corner thoughtfully created to encourage exploration, learning, and interaction. From educational games to interactive play areas, the nursery is not just a safe place—it’s an enriching learning environment that nurtures the children’s curiosity and growth.

As a working mother, this initiative has impacted me in ways I could never have imagined. Before the nursery’s rehabilitation, I used to worry about the safety of my children while I worked long hours. The inner conflict between my responsibilities at work and my duties as a mother was a constant struggle. Now, I feel an incredible sense of relief. I no longer have the fear or anxiety that used to plague my days—I know my children are not only safe but also receiving the care, attention, and stimulation they need to thrive. For me, this peace of mind has been life changing.

Beyond the personal impact, this initiative has also had a far-reaching effect on the Ministry of Labour as an institution. The ministry has set a new standard for what a workplace nursery can be. No longer just a government entity, the ministry is now seen as a leading example of how an employer can actively support working mothers. The nursery has become a role model for other institutions, showcasing how Article 72 of the Labour Law—requiring the private sector to provide a safe environment for employees’ children—can be implemented in a way that prioritizes both safety and development. The Ministry of Labour isn’t just enforcing the law; they’re leading by example.

This initiative, supported by various partners, has been transformational—not only for me but for every mother who has benefited from it. It’s more than just a renovation or an upgrade; it’s about ensuring that working mothers like me can find the balance between their professional and personal lives, without compromising on the care and well-being of their children. This experience has allowed me to go to work with confidence, knowing my children are in a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment.

Acknowledgment of Donors and Partners

This work would not have been possible without the dedication and generous support of our partners and donors. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to SADAQA, for providing the invaluable technical training to the manager and caregivers of the nursery, and to Green Wood Barton, for their innovative and creative design that brought the nursery to life.

Furthermore, we are sincerely thankful for the generous contributions from Sida and The Norwegian Embassy in Jordan, whose unwavering support enabled the successful completion of this project.

For more information about the project or the Work4Women Programme, please reach out to the Work4Women Programme Team:

Reem Aslan: [email protected]

Duaa Ajarmeh: [email protected]