Story Description: Children in the Deir al-Balah neighborhood desperately needed a safe space to play and interact, but lacked access to appropriate recreational facilities. The Al-Hakura Playground project addressed this need while championing environmental responsibility by constructing the entire facility from recycled materials. What made this project truly special was the unprecedented community involvement-both children and their families participated actively in the design and implementation process, creating deep ownership and pride in their shared creation. This collaborative approach transformed the Playground from a simple recreational space into a powerful symbol of community unity and environmental stewardship.

Mother Nour’s experience exemplifies the project’s impact: “I used to keep them inside all day. Now they run, jump, and laugh in a place we all helped build.” Implemented in 2016 with funding from the Swiss Drosos Foundation and executed by Nawa Organization, the project demonstrates how involving communities in development creates spaces that become sources of lasting pride and connection.