Recognizing the urgent need for public spaces in Tripoli and specifically in areas once marked by sectarian clashes and tensions, MARCH has taken the initiative to rehabilitate a public garden in the Mallouleh area in Tripoli that will serve as a space for interaction and engagement for the community.
The Mallouleh area lacks safe recreational spaces, leaving children with few opportunities for play and socialization and limiting spaces where residents can come together as a community.
The rehabilitation of this playground, which was unequipped and neglected, is more than just a place for children to play—it is the first space in Mallouleh where the community can meet marking the first step into breaking barriers and fostering regular meet-ups among Mallouleh’s residents.
By providing a shared space for families, this initiative aims to strengthen social bonds and create a stronger sense of belonging among the approximately 400 families in the neighborhood.
A Space Designed by and for the Community
What makes this project even more special is that it was initiated by the youth leaders of MARCH. Their vision for a more connected and inclusive neighborhood has driven this initiative forward after they themselves have seen the fruits of their reconciliation in the hub Kahwetna in Syria Street, on the former demarcation lines of Jabal Mohsen and Beb El Tebbeneh promoting daily meet-ups between the two communities. When communities are actively involved in designing and maintaining their shared spaces, it fosters a deep sense of pride, responsibility, and collective ownership.
With this playground, MARCH is not just rehabilitating a recreational space—it is laying the foundation for ongoing community gatherings and increased social cohesion. This is only the beginning of a series of efforts to bring people together, encourage dialogue, and create lasting positive change in the neighborhood.
