Education Palestine Project #2179

Abir's Garden Playgrounds for a Safe Place to Grow

by Rebuilding Alliance

Summary

Combatants for Peace (C4P) are building playgrounds and organizing children's theater programs in memory of a child, Abir, who touched so many hearts. The playgrounds, all connected with a Palestinian kindergarten or elementary school in the West Bank, are constructed by professionals with Israeli and Palestinian former combatants working together to help. New, the C4P teams are coaching children's theater programs at each school to help youth raise awareness of their village's story.

$41,700
total goal

$10,252
remaining

594
donors

0
monthly donors

3
fundraisers

15
years

Challenge

Palestinian children need safe places where they can safely leave the occupation and enter into their imagination. Moms and dads need warm places to gather with one another as their children play. The Aramin family, among the founders of Combatants for Peace, has sought to turn their tragedy into care, creativity, and teamwork in memory of their daughter. Palestinian & Israeli children need a meaningful way to learn from Combatants for Peace and together work to realize the children's dreams.

Solution

C4P regional teams meet regularly in West Bank Palestinian towns to share their stories. Under the guidance of the school administration in those towns, C4P develops a plan for the construction of their playground and brings dozens of volunteers who come in peace to help. Through extensive training in Ireland, C4P has been using theatre to build understanding and positive, nonviolent action. They ask your help to extend their theater program to the youth of these villages.

Long-Term Impact

How does one measure the positive impact of children who have a safe place to play, children whose voice and vision is heard and aided through theater workshops? In Rebuilding Alliance's experience, the Abir's Garden playgrounds and the crafting of educational theater around the children's dreams and vision are invaluable in creating the network of safety and support that will help children and their families hold on despite the big challenges and inspire all to work for justice & peace.