Queen Rania joins University of Jordan Arbour Day celebration

AMMAN — Her Majesty Queen Rania on Wednesday joined the University of Jordan (UJ) to celebrate Arbour Day and support the university’s efforts to replace trees that were damaged during the recent snowstorm. 

Along with UJ President Ekhleif Tarawneh, vice presidents, deans, faculty members and students, Her Majesty planted several trees in one of the university’s gardens.  

Queen Rania then spoke with students taking part in an exhibition showcasing artwork made out of wood collected from cypress and pine trees that were damaged and broken during the last December’s blizzard. 

The exhibition was organised by the university in cooperation with the faculty of art and design along with other related faculties as part of an initiative entitled Al Saru Tribute, according to a statement from Her Majesty’s office.  

At the faculty of art and design, the Queen also had the chance to see sculptures made by students from the remains of tree trunks. 

Students explained that their artwork reflected memories and scenes from three of the four seasons: winter, summer and spring. Keram Nimri, dean of the faculty, was also present.

Her Majesty also met with students from different volunteer initiatives that were launched to help the university overcome the damages caused by the snowstorm.  

UJ initiated a fund last month to receive donations to make up for its losses during the snowstorm, estimated at JD7 million.
Infrastructure, electricity cables and sewage networks were damaged during the blizzard, as well as ancient trees in the university forest, according to Tarawneh.