Marib – Nearly six years of fighting, insecurity and instability have forced many families to flee their homes to other less dangerous villages and cities across Yemen. Marib Governorate is considered one of the biggest hosting destinations for displaced families who seek safety for their children. It is estimated that Marib city district has alone received 71,456 new displaced people in 2020. Displaced children are the primary victims of the displacement crisis. To create a safe place where children can play and cope with their new environment, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), is working with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) to establish 12 playgrounds, in large displacement sites across three districts in Marib Governorate.

Previously, the camps had no playgrounds, and there was no dedicated place for children to play or socialize with other children in a friendly environment, but now IOM and KSrelief have constructed five out of the planned 12 playgrounds in seven displacement sites cross Marib, allowing nearly 3,000 children to have a chance of living a normal childhood experience.

“It is amazing how slides and swings can make us see that the life still going,” said Um Muneef, while expressing her gratitude for the newly constructed playground near her shelter at Al Jufainah camp.

“Watching the colorful games of the playground among the stones and dust of the camp is a source of joy. This place can wipe out all the stress of the day. Watching those children running, playing, laughing or even shouting makes me feel that there is still hope for me and my children,” added the 25-year-old displaced mother of three.

Most afternoons, women and their children visit the playground to enjoy their time until the sun sets. And for parents like Um Muneef, having green trees and seats with shades would help them to wind-down a little and enjoy watching their children play.

“Every time we (women) feel overwhelmed by life’s pressure, we go there to relax for a bit,” explained Um Ahamed, thinking how this has become the only place they can go to, given the harsh displacement conditions they live in.

Um Ahmed feels comfortable knowing that her son is playing safely in the playground, and that she is no longer worried about his whereabouts.

“I hope there will be more games, more slides and swings, and games designed for my younger children,” she added.

In each playground, IOM installed small storages to accommodate items and materials to play, including balls, T-shirts for player teams, story books and color pencils to help children communicate with one another and express themselves freely.

The playgrounds constructions did not only address one of the most important needs of displaced children, but also can be used for many other activities related to protection, health, psychosocial and resilience programs for displaced children and their parents.

For more information, please contact Mennatallah Homaid, Tel: +967739888755, Email: mhomaid@iom.int