Apr 3, 2007, 9:43 GMT
Amman - A group of 24 female students from Harvard University in the United States and Dar al-Hekma College in Saudi Arabia acted as a 'cultural bridge' over the past week by teaming up to build homes in the poverty-ridden southern Jordan Valley area of Ghor al-Safi, the US embassy said in a statement Tuesday.
The community housing project, sponsored by Habitat for Humanity, was the first-ever initiative to bring together women students from the US and Saudi Arabia specifically for a community service-based international exchange programme, the embassy said.
'In addition to constructing homes side-by-side with residents of Ghor al-Safi, the participants engaged in robust interfaith dialogue, rich intercultural exchange, and a range of workshops introducing them to Jordanian history, economy and culture,' it added.
The programme culminated with a dedication ceremony at which they presented newly-constructed homes to residents of Ghor al-Safi.
During their stay in Jordan, the group met with US ambassador David Hale, Jordanian Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit and other cabinet ministers.
The event was arranged by the Office of the Senior Advisor to the US Secretary of State for Women's Empowerment, the embassy said.
The students raised money from private donors to cover all expenses, it added.
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