Even though the size of Gaza is only 225 square kilometers, its population estimates that out of 1.7 million people, 765,000 of them are children. Unemployment rates reached 41.2%[1], and 37.6% of people are living below the poverty line[2]. The 2014 war in Gaza, along with ongoing incursions and embargos on food, water, and basic means of life continue to make the situation unendurable for the local children. The traumatized youngsters are in urgent need of relief from the war imposed on them by extraneous adults as well as political and religious authorities.

The children of Gaza are forced to endure terrifying and lasting consequences of the deaths and destruction they have witnessed during their short lives. Some of them have already lived through three wars. A report published in 2016 by Save the Children, entitled “A Living Nightmare: Gaza One Year On”, reported that 551 children were killed in the 2015 war, and 3,436 were injured, of whom 10% suffered permanent disability.

There are over 750,000 children in Gaza under the age of 14, and the average age in Gaza is only 16. Though no fault of their own, they only have ruins and rubble to rest and play. It is clear, however, that they need safe spaces where they experience at least a glimpse of normal and untroubled childhood. Hence the idea of playgrounds provide a welcoming and enjoyable outlet for play and social nurturing away from bombs and conflict.

In order to respond to the children’s needs, the Playground Builders in cooperation with the Future Development Commission and the Palestinian Center for Youth Economic Empowerment have established several playgrounds in Gaza Strip: in Beit Lahia, Al Shaboura/Rafah, Khan Younis, and Al Buriej. These playgrounds are now bringing joy to families and their children by providing a safe play environment for them.