MECA provided funds for a playground in the historic center of Hajjah Village, in the northern West Bank. The playground was created by Riwaq, a Palestinian cultural preservation organization. Riwaq’s “50 Villages Project” is revitalizing the old centers in villages across the West Bank and Gaza–preserving history and culture, while addressing current community needs. The land for the playground was donated by a woman who owns a very old building directly across from the playground. In exchange for the land for the playground, Riwaq completely restored her two-story house in its original design. Riwaq has also restored an empty building to be used as a community center for the village municipality and is working closely with the community every step of the way.

The playground is the first free, public playground in the village. Shatha, the architect from Riwaq overseeing this project, explained how much the children are looking forward to this new playground complete with slides, swings, and climbing structures. Riwaq organized several activities for the local children and heard again and again how much they wanted a place of their own to play.

Hajjah is a Palestinian village in the northern West Bank, located 18 km west of Nablus in the Qalqilya Governorate. Hajjah is originally an Aramaic word translated as “market” or “society”. With MECA support, this playground serves as part of Riwaq’s Rehabilitation Project of the Historic Center of the village. This includes the conservation of single buildings as community centers, alleys and public spaces, preventive conservation (from outside) for historic fabrics, as well as the renovation of buildings for private use with the contribution of owners.