From the outset of the Deir 'Ain 'Abata project in 1988 every effort was made by its director, Dr Konstantinos D. Politis, to involve the local community, emphasize that the cultural heritage of the site belonged to them and try to relate the archaeological discoveries to the realities of their present lives. This was particularly challenging because the Ghor es-Safi is a relatively underdeveloped region of Jordan and consequently its inhabitants are financially disadvantaged and inadequately educated. The most immediate and obvious benefit for them was the employment offered by the project. During the project's seasons from 1988 to 2003, which were sponsored by the British Museum, a core of the local labourers would return to work at Deir 'Ain 'Abata which provided a great financial advantage to them and their extended families. Eventually, with the establishment of a Department of Antiquities ofT1ce on-site and the increasing demand for ancient sites to be guarded, some of these workmen were able to secure permanent jobs. The archaeological and conservation skills which some of the workers had acquired from on-site training further enhanced their employment opportunities.