By Sarah Ryan AMMAN - Preparations have begun for the National Goodwill Campaign, a month-long programme giving aid to needy individuals, families and communities.

The campaign has become a national model that fosters the concept of humanitarian and social assistance in the same way as it has cemented the Jordanians originality and their love for goodness and giving, said HRH Princess Basma, president of the higher committee of the campaign. Princess Basma yesterday met with members of the press to discuss the perspectives and viewpoints of the campaign and to lay down work mechanisms.

The campaign, which was launched in 1991, culminates every year during the Holy Month of Ramadan and contributes in the fields of education , health, sustainable development and special needs. The Goodwill Campaign , which is based on the Islamic values of solidarity and support, is implemented by the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development (JOHUD ). The campaign takes a two-pronged approach to assist those living in poverty.   Some projects are directed toward caring for people′s immediate needs through health services, food donations and clothing while others teach individuals the skills to provide for their families in the long-term. In previous years, free medical clinics were set up in different areas of the Kingdom, students have been given university scholarships and assistance has been distributed to help families in need.  All this good work relies on the donations of individuals and various organisations from the country′s commercial and industrial sectors.