PLAYGROUND TO COPE AND THRIVE
Kurdistan region, Iraq
2022
220 m²
250
Partners: Habibi International
We partnered with Habibi International to co-design a playground in the Bersive refugee camp in the Kurdistan region in Iraq. This project sought to capacitate the local community through the co-designing and building of a playground following a series of virtual training and coordination sessions.
We trained four facilitators who engaged children in co-design activities to understand their needs and vision for their new playground. The impact of this learning process has continued beyond the completion of the playground with the facilitators still using the engagement tools they learned to work with students in the classrooms.
Learning from the input of children, facilitators and our partners, we translated the ideas into a technical design. The design was based on the available skill set and materials. The design aimed to transform a courtyard into a space where children could play a wide range of games.
Starting from ball games, to different sensory wall games such as the xylophone, as well as offering elements that trigger imagination and role play such as the steering wheel. The playground also offers opportunities for everyone to sit and relax through several seating options.
For the construction, our partners hired local builders to implement the project. We explained the design details and guided the implementation through direct communication with the foreman in charge.
“This playground is so beautiful and unique in the camp! I love playing here with my friends."
