Hemza Tarawneh, of Milwaukee, is majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry. A first-generation American, his interests include advancing health equity and expanding access to care for underserved communities.
His project is among 142 projects nominated by 98 partner institutions chosen for the Projects for Peace program this year. It is the 18th project from Penn since the award was founded in 2007. The program aims to encourage student initiative, innovation, and entrepreneurship focusing on conflict prevention, resolution, or reconciliation.
Tarawneh’s project, The Shade Program, will support the purchase and installation of shade structures to help women and children in two of Jordan’s largest refugee camps live comfortably, safely, and with dignity. The structures will be portable, durable, and protect from UV radiation while withstanding desert winds, sun, and heat, and materials will be sourced from Jordanian vendors. The project will work in collaboration with partner organizations on the ground that run the Azraq and Za’atari refugee camps and will be involved in on-the-ground implementation.
Tarawneh’s initiative prioritizes the highest-need sites and focuses on hospital-affiliated outdoor spaces and those near community centers. He has also been awarded the Huntington Public Service Award to continue implementing this project for the year following his Projects for Peace Summer Grant.
Projects for Peace, which may take place anywhere in the world, was founded by philanthropist Kathryn W. Davis, who celebrated her 100th birthday by supporting 100 projects, designed “to bring about a mindset of preparing for peace, instead of preparing for war.”
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