What does HOPE look like to you?
For us at Playground Builders, it's a group of exuberant kids playing on a newly constructed playground. We are dedicated to building hope from the ground up in the midst of war-torn areas such as the Palestinian Territories and Iraq. Working with local businesses and non-profit organizations, we help create spaces where kids can be kids, communities can feel empowered and new possibilities can find a strong foundation.
The positive effects of our work are easy to see. The success of our programs have encouraged us to expand and we are pleased to announce that our 22nd project is underway in Kabul, Afghanistan. Plans are underway for two more playgrounds in Iraq
As Playground Builders gathers momentum and support from people all over the globe, we plan to continue building playgrounds in the war-torn countries of Afghanistan, Iraq and the Palestine Territories and beyond. Help us put smiles on the faces of children and build a better future, one playground at a time.
What's New
June 2008: Field Trip
Wendy, Mike and Keith met with SHAREK, our partner in the Palestinian Territories. This meeting was followed by three days of touring and two follow up meetings. Twenty completed playgrounds and possible new sites were viewed in refugee camps, schools and small villages. Often our installed playground was the first ever in the area. The children play! There are many of them.
In Nablus camp, 50% of the population is under 12. Some of our Playgrounds were damaged. We now have an agreement for repairs and heightened ownership along with a new system of inspection and maintenance. There are many new sites including two in Nablus, one in the old city which would have access for at least 1,000 children and a site in the refugee camp which is home to about 5,000 children.
One of the many experiences was spending the night at an orphanage/school in Hebron. The Israeli Government has linked Hamas to a charity which is funding this home to 130 girls. The children have gone to extended families or friends for the summer holidays. The Israeli Army has entered, destroying and removing sewing equipment. They have also destroyed nearby bakeries which were supplying bread for the orphanage/school.
The army has issued a military closure and Internationals have been asked to spend the night in hopes that the army will not seize the building during the summer. The order is being challenged in Israeli court. This orphanage/school does not have playground equipment. Playground Builders will not establish one here - although it would be purely a humanitarian gesture, the politics involved could complicate our work elsewhere.
A meeting was also held with two International Aid workers visiting from Jordan. This couple have spent many years working with different aid groups. Daunia sold her car and presented Playground Builders with a donation of $2,000. They have heard good reports on the Playground in Baghdad.
On June 18, Keith went to Afghanistan. A new partner HEWAD worked with Playground Builders for the first projects in Kabul. There are many locations here. There is some damaged equipment left from the Soviet occupation of the early 80's but most schools and orphanages have none. It's very exciting to work within one of the poorest nations of the world suppressed by war.
The Vancouver Sun - May 29: News Story
Our World: Profile - YouTube link
Baghdad Playground Opens
On March 10, 2008, the official opening of the first playground in Iraq took place. This playground in conjunction with our partner Al-Noor is a tremendous success. See photo gallery. Two more playgrounds are under discussion and we hope to begin work in late June or early July 2008.
The Best of The Fest: over $7,500 was raised and Michael Franti of Spearhead made a special surprise appearance. Michael is a loyal supporter of Playground Builders.
Whistler Wellness Fair: Playground Builders was showcased at the Fair on June 1, 2008 at the Telus Whistler Conference Centre.
Community Foundation of Whistler: Playground Builders will be showcased at the annual Citizen of the Year Celebration.
YMCA International Peacemaker Award Nomination
Playground Builders is honoured to have been nominated for the YMCA International Peacemaker Award. This award is presented to individuals and groups working with an international community for a world based on equality, justice and peace.
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TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival: Official Charity |
