Since October 2023, the West Bank has endured major military operations, leading to widespread displacement and a sharp increase in civilian and child casualties. By January 2024, nearly 40,000 Palestinians had been forced from their homes—the largest displacement since 1967. More than 838 Palestinians have lost their lives in the occupied West Bank since the escalation began.
These events have severely disrupted daily life, impacting employment, economic stability, and access to essential services such as water, electricity, education, and healthcare. Children, either directly affected or as witnesses to this crisis, have been especially vulnerable—facing heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and trauma.
In response, the Enhanced Access to Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Services for Vulnerable Communities project—funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)—has launched a vital initiative to create safe and nurturing playgrounds in 12 villages across the West Bank. In Areas B and C of the West Bank, children face numerous challenges, including a lack of safe recreational spaces. Playgrounds, where they exist, are often poorly maintained and unsafe. Recognizing the importance of play in a child's development, the project has prioritized rehabilitating and building new playgrounds to offer children a secure space for joy and growth.
One of these villages, a picturesque community in the south of the West Bank, previously had no playgrounds or public parks. With no designated places to play, children were often left to play in streets, open fields, or agricultural lands—none of which are safe or appropriate. Ongoing security concerns, coupled with limited infrastructure and municipal resources, have long hindered investment in recreational spaces.
Thirteen-year-old Islam from this village shared his experience: "Children here are deprived of their rights. My friends and I have nowhere safe to play. We just want a place where we can laugh, run, and have fun—without fear."
A child plays in a newly created safe play area in the north of the West Bank. Omar, the Project Coordinator, emphasized the broader importance of this initiative: "The Safe Play Area is more than a playground. It's a secure, supportive space for children to engage in recreational activities. It fosters positive social interactions, peer relationships, and offers an outlet for stress relief."
The project is bringing new life to neglected areas: broken equipment is being repaired, new structures are being installed, and shaded areas are added to protect children from the harsh sun. But the real transformation goes beyond the physical. These spaces symbolize hope, healing, and the return of childhood joy.
A key strength of the project lies in its community-centred approach. Local Village Councils are deeply involved in the rehabilitation efforts, helping to maintain the playgrounds and ensure their sustainability. This partnership not only reinforces community bonds but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride.
Safe playgrounds are more than places to play—they are essential for children's mental health and emotional well-being. They reduce anxiety, encourage social development, and offer children the freedom to simply be themselves. Parents and caregivers, who also benefit from MHPSS programmes, are crucial in nurturing these moments of joy.
Six-year-old Iman, her eyes sparkling with excitement, shared: "I’m so happy when I play in the safe space! I always ask my mother to take me there. It feels like our village is finally smiling again. Thank you for making Karma more beautiful for us children."
Children are playing in the newly installed material. Ra’fat, Head of the Village Council, expressed his happiness at the transformation: "Despite the difficult situation, this initiative has brought joy, play, and a sense of safety to our community."
Salma, a local volunteer, also shared her appreciation: "This safe space has brought a beautiful environmental and emotional touch to our village. The playground has enhanced participation in sessions I lead—like Positive Parenting and Early Adolescent Skills for Emotions—by providing a welcoming environment for both children and parents."
As the project continues, Juzoor for Health & Social Development and World Vision International will extend this work across 12 villages in the West Bank, reaching more than 25,000 children and adults. In a region where so much has been taken from children, these playgrounds will restore something vital: the right to play, to hope, and to heal.