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FROM THE FIELD

Public garden is dream come true for Lebanese children
19 Mar 2009 13:03:03 GMT
 Source: World Vision Middle East/Eastern Europe office (MEERO)
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Children enjoy the opening of the public garden in Bourj Hammoud, Lebanon. Photo by Patricia Mouamar.
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Children enjoy the opening of the public garden in Bourj Hammoud, Lebanon. Photo by Patricia Mouamar.
World Vision MEERO, http://meero.worldvision.org

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The opening of a public garden in the densely populated Bourj Hammoud area, northeast of Beirut marked the realisation of a community's dream of a safe place in which to rest, socialise and play.

'This garden was a dream for everyone. Now it is a reality,' said 11-year-old Danine Sleiman who lives in the neighbourhood. 'Before it was just a useless area for garbage and now it is a beautiful green spot. We are now safe from the danger of cars.'

'This garden will bring us peace of mind,' said mother Sima Sarkissian. 'I almost lost my son once as he tried to hide in another building entrance. This garden will keep all children from the danger of roads; we are proud to have such a beautiful garden in our area'.

World Vision's assessment (1) in the area indicated that deficiencies in urban planning have resulted in significant lack of green and public spaces for the 150,000 inhabitants in just a 4.5km² area. In addition, the whole area suffers from environmental pollution caused by car congestion and awful odours emanating from a neighbouring garbage treatment company.

'A public garden is not just about child safety, it is also about making residential areas safer for everyone and improving people's quality of life," said Lina Abi Rizk, World Vision programmes manager in Beirut.

'This garden is my dream since I was child, and today my daughter gets to play in it,' said mother Hayat Fakherdine. 'As a child brought up here, I used to play on the streets, and neighbours used to shout at us 'Go home',' she added. 'I am actually at the garden and I still can't believe my eyes. I had to touch the swing with my own hands to believe. World Vision made me believe that dreams come true.'

'We were always wondering when such a project would happen,' said father of two Victor Bechara. 'This place is embracing all the kids in this area.'

Children of Bourj Hammoud, who were deprived of their right to play in a safe and healthy environment, will not be the only ones to enjoy the 1500 m² garden. Residents of the area from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities will all finally have a safe space for recreation.

World Vision has been working in Bourj Hammoud since 2003 striving to meet the community's needs in the area of education, health, and environmental preservation. The public garden project was co-funded by World Vision Canada and other local stakeholders.

- End -

(1)"Area Assessment Report, Bourj Hammoud & Sin El Fil', published by World Vision Lebanon, July 2006.


[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]

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[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]

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