News
Exciting new projects in Iraq and Afghanistan
"The most dangerous area in the world" is how President Obama described the area where a new playground is currently under construction in North Eastern Afghanistan. The current violence has slowed down the construction at times but has not stopped the children's wishes to play. All over Afghanistan, millions of girls have come back to school since the fall of the Taliban government. Two new playgrounds are nearing completion for a total of eight playgrounds within the last year. We have had reports that because of these new opportunities for socialization and play, more children are now coming to school. Playground Builders recently completed a large playground and our first soccer field in the largest school in Afghanistan where nearly 14,000 girls and 300 teachers rotate in three different shifts per day. We look forward to facilitating at least five more playgrounds in conflict areas in Afghanistan before the end of 2009.
Since 1980, perhaps a million children have died in Iraq from the direct result of war. Last year our first playground was completed in Baghdad. It is shared by both Sunni and Shia children. In a fantastic spirit of cooperation, the community volunteered to prepare the playground site and plant grass. Our playgrounds include park benches so parents and grandparents can meet and enjoy the gift of watching children playing. Recognizing that play is an important part of dealing with psychological trauma, Playground Builders has completed a playground for over 1,000 Iraqi children orphaned by war. The opening of a new playground is a community event complete with ribbon cutting dignitaries, face painting, music and celebration. We are also happy to report that playgrounds #9 and #10 in Iraq are underway in two kindergartens for hundreds of little ones.
The Story of the Orphan Girl from Baghdad
It might seem like the work of Playground Builders is worlds away. But thanks to the digital age there are many moments, like this one, when we hear back from our friends overseas. We get to share in the stories of the playgrounds through letters, pictures and videos. Please enjoy this letter sent from the principal of a school in Iraq where a playground was built. This principal writes to us on behalf of an orphaned girl, whose name is Zainab, about her thoughts on the new playground.
Letter from an Orphan Girl - August 2009
Summer 2009
'Some Thoughts on the Beginnings of Playground Builders' by the Founder, Keith Reynolds
I don't know when the "penny dropped". After more than 20 years of research and visits to the Middle East, I realized that the most marginalized members of society in these areas of conflict are the children – and they are the future. By holding the future in their hands, it struck me that children are the only hope for peace. Perhaps it was the 14 year-old Palestinian boy I held who was wounded by some kind of bomb and later died. Perhaps it was the 14 year-old girl who was shot to death because she wandered too close to a "security" fence. Or it may have been the 12-year-old Iraqi boy working to feed his family by dismantling downed Iraqi jet fighters. Traveling to Afghanistan for the first time, I witnessed children growing up without childhoods. No matter which region, I realized it doesn’t matter to a child who is right or who is wrong. We can feed, clothe, shelter and educate these impoverished children but do they have childhoods?
It started with two playgrounds. In three years, we are close to completing forty. The philosophy of win/win is multiplied over and over again by a simple investment in the future of these countries suspended in war. A playground is a tangible process for peace. Happier children can transfer play and socialization and the lessons learned through play to their adult lives, and to the governance of their communities. Our dream is many more playgrounds, creating many more childhoods.
It started with two playgrounds. In three years, we are close to completing forty. The philosophy of win/win is multiplied over and over again by a simple investment in the future of these countries suspended in war. A playground is a tangible process for peace. Happier children can transfer play and socialization and the lessons learned through play to their adult lives, and to the governance of their communities. Our dream is many more playgrounds, creating many more childhoods.
Afghanistan. Two more playgrounds are underway in areas outside Kabul. These areas are in extreme conflict. Letters arrived from children in Kabul. They were distributed to Spring Creek Community School in Whistler. Children in Afghanistan learn English in the fourth year of studies. This connection with children half way around the world is an exciting experience. See Afghanistan locations.
Iraq. Two more playgrounds at kindergartens are underway. See Iraq Locations.
Whistler Blackcomb Foundation: Whistler Blackcomb Foundation has donated $5,000 to facilitate the construction of a new Playground. Whistler imports players and is now exporting play!
See Helpers in Action for the latest updates.
Spring 2009
Afghanistan.Bibi Rabia School Playground in Kabul is complete. Over 3,700 students are now enjoying their first playground! The Malaka Suraya Girls High School soccer/football filed is installed. The turf will be ready for playing soon. More than 14,000 students attend this school. This soccer field is Playground Builders first! Maryam Girls school is located in northern Kabul. 23 pieces of play equipment will soon be placed for the more than 5,000 students attending class. The cost of this safe play area is approximately $8,000 (CAD). See Locations.
Iraq. A playground for orphans has just opened. See Locations.
Squamish Rotary. We are pleased to accept a cheque of $6,000 from the Squamish Rotary. This donation from the dedicated Rotarians will support happy childhoods in Afghanistan.
YMCA International Peacemaker Award Nomination
Playground Builders is honoured to have been nominated for the YMCA International Peacemaker Award. This award is presented to individuals and groups working with an international community for a world based on equality, justice and peace.
 |
TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival: Official Charity Special thanks to Sue Eckersley and all at Watermark Communications, the staff at the GLC, the artists from the festival, The Sam Bradley Band, The Darcy's, Shane Philip, Dave Oran and all the dedicated volunteers of Playground Builders. |
Media
Playground Builders has had substantial media coverage since its inception in 2007. We’ve been featured on several television networks including Global, Shaw, CTV Regional, CTV National and CBC National. A number of news articles have been written about our cause and we’ve been interviewed several times for local and national radio. Check out some of our media coverage below!
Images Articles
The Pique - July 30, 2008 "Reynolds Builds Playground in Afghanistan"
The Whistler Question - May 29, 2008 "Playground Builders give peace a chance"
The Pique - May 29, 2008 "Reynolds Building More Playgrounds in Middle East"
The Vancouver Sun - May 29, 2008 "Man gives kids in war zones a place to play"
Building Playgrounds in Palestine Al-Ameen – July 27, 2007
Building Play in War Zones The Pique – October 18, 2007
It's All About Play, Not Politics The Whistler Question – October 25, 2007
Of Bombs, Bikes and Building Playgrounds The Pique - October 30, 2007
Blog Spot: Playgrounds in Palestine (1.45M PDF)
Videos
Playground Builders Launch: November 2007 - see images
Our World broadcast on CBC - YouTube link
CTV BC - YouTube link
CTV National News - YouTube link