PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION
Safe public space a much-need gift to families and children
Photo by Gil Ribeiro on Unsplash
Photo by Gil Ribeiro on Unsplash
Alia Mohammad Al-Najjar
KHAN YUNIS, PALESTINE
"This public space was a dream for us in such a marginalized area. The lack of safe public spaces had affected the quality of our life. Children were always under pressure because there was no safe space to go outside and enjoy their free time. As a mother, I was not able to walk with my children because there was no safe space or area within our neighborhood. Moreover, crossing the street was very dangerous for the children especially without any facilities or measures to help to slow down the speed of cars."
Through the HAYA Joint Programme funded by the Government of Canada, UN-Habitat, in close cooperation with the Palestinian Ministry of Local Government, Khan Younis Municipality, and the Palestinian Housing Council, developed a new safe, inclusive, and accessible public space entitled the "Haya Promenade" for women, girls, and families in Khan Younis.
"The public space offers us a safe and comfortable space to enjoy long times with my children and relatives. The existence of public facilities such as bathrooms, baby care and service room for females allows us to feel comfortable. I come on daily basis with my children to teach them their lessons instead of staying at home all day."
"We need much more spots like this public space along the beach in order maximize the number of families who could benefit from these public spaces at the same time."
Built with Shorthand