This project is a collaboration between Emergency Architecture & Human Rights (EAHR) and Association Najdeh. Association Najdeh has 29 centers in 9 Palestinian camps. They are implementing a variety of programs and projects targeting Palestinian refugee women and children. Programs include women’s social and economic empowerment, educational support, and psychosocial support.

Najdeh Association has identified a need for safe and inclusive playgrounds. The plan is to rehabilitate and reactivate two rooftop psychosocial centers in Burj el Barajneh and Shatila camps, both in Beirut. Shatila community center receives at least 120 children, and the center at Burj el Baranjneh receives more than 200 children. The overall goal is to improve the health and well-being of the refugee population living in a protracted state of humanitarian emergency in these overcrowded camps.

Most of the buildings are old and structurally weak, suffering from humidity. A major issue is a rapid increase in population, which has led to increased building activity. Due to restrictions imposed by Lebanese law, occupants have had to build vertically rather than horizontally. The surface area of the camps has not increased with the population. This has resulted in cramped shantytowns, offering little privacy to residents and exposing them to health hazards.

Within camps, UNRWA should provide housing, water, and electricity. However, with its limited fund and budget deficit, most of the camps suffer from housing conditions, sewage, electricity networks, and supplies, etc.

The availability of a healthy and inclusive space for these vulnerable communities is expected to provide an inspiring and safe space. Vulnerable refugee women will have the opportunity to find psychosocial support. An inclusive environment for refugee children can ignite their creativity and help them in their journey, by giving a sense of hope for the future.