Locations in Iraq
The population of Iraq is estimated at 27 million; 39.4% of people are aged 14 and under. The median age is 20 years. (CIA 2007). The World Health Organization in January 2008 reported 151,000 civilians have been killed since the start of the US led coalition invasion of March 2003 up to June 2006. Two million have fled as refugees. Internally displaced people are estimated at 2 million.
UNICEF reports that sanctions imposed in 1990 resulted in 1.3 million deaths of which 600,000 were children. 1 in 3 families are now headed by women. (BBC News, Dec '07). Fewer than 20 years, ago Iraq was reported to be the most literate country in the Middle East. A census taken in 2004 showed only a 30% school enrollment. Many children have had to withdraw to work to support their families.
This twelve year old boy has left school. He dismantles downed Iraqi fighter jets to support his family. Another child without a childhood.
Baghdad
Playground #1 is situated in the North East section of the city in one of the poorer neighborhoods. The area is home for both Shite and Sunni religious sects. They have built this playground together. The land was redeveloped from an unsanitary waste area to a playground providing access for hundreds of children.
There are four primary schools, (6 to 12 years) in the vicinity without playground equipment. The playground area will include grass playing fields. Al-Noor Humanitarin Organization has contributed funds for the fencing and grass area.
Playground #2 opened in September 2008, located in a school with just over 2,000 students. The students attend the school in two different shifts. There are also more than 200 pre-school children in the area who enjoy playing here.
Playground #3 opened in September 2008. It is located at a school with approximately 1,150 students. There are also more than 200 three to six years olds who enjoy time on the playground equipment.
Playground #4 is within school grounds for 1,550 male and female students aged 7-12 years old. There are also aproximately 300 preschool boys and girls who benefit from play with this new playground.
Playground #5 is within school grounds for 1,300 boys and girls aged 7-12 years old. There are also aproximately 270 preschoolers who enjoy the playground.
Playground #6 is in an area/compound for Palestinian families. There are 620 boys and girls attending the local school and 750 pre-schoolers also enjoying the gift of play.
Playground #7 is located in Al-Sader City, north east of Baghdad. The "School of Orphans" is home to approximately 1,050 boys and girls. There are approximately 300 children living in the are who will also have access to the playground equipment.
Playground #8 is at a Kindergarten school in Al-Sader City. There are approximately 1,100 boys and girls aged 2-6 who will benefit from this playground.
Playground #9 is located at a Kindergarten in Jameila. Approximately 760 2-6 year olds will enjoy a safe area to play.
Playground #10 is located at a kindergarten in Al Ahlam. There are approximately 1,055 3-12 year olds who will enjoy a playground for the first time.
