Syrian children play on swings made from exploded rockets parts
Youngsters taking advantage of unique playground equipment during ceasefire
SWINGS made out of exploded rockets and underground playgrounds are helping youngsters forget the terror of the Syrian civil war.
Children in Eastern Ghouta, a besieged opposition stronghold east of Damascus, are used to warnings not to play outside since the civil war began five years ago and the rebel airstrikes brought terror to their home towns.
But now some grown ups are coming up with innovative ways to ensure the fun can continue and children have a safe place to play.
In Douma, Eastern Ghouta’s largest town, children can be seen playing on red-and-black swings made of rockets which used to belong to government MiG fighters jets which rained terror down on their hometowns.
The ingenious creations were made by 40-year-old Abu Ali al-Bitar, who collected dozens of rocket debris and welded them into swings and gave them a lick of plaint.
He told AFP: “At first, my neighbours thought I was crazy. They didn’t realise I was going to make children’s toys out of this.
“It was a huge surprise for everyone when I came outside my shop one day carrying a swing.”
The house painter is now being urged to build more playground apparatus and has found himself inundated with donations of shell debris from local farmers.
The swings have been especially popular since the start of the cease fire which has brought peace to the skies and a lull in the relentless shelling.
“This is how we made the impossible, possible — that something used to kill can be turned into a toy that makes children happy,” added Abu Ali, whose efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Nine-year-old Ghadir said he’s grateful to Abu Ali for making new toys for Douma’s children.
“Bashar al-Assad sent rockets to kill us but Uncle Abu Ali didn’t want us to be sad, so he turned them into toys to make us happy,” he said.
In another rebel held town in Arbin more unconventional playgrounds are popping up – this time in the shape of an underground cave which is home to its own ferris wheel and merry go-round.
Hassan, who works with a local civil society group, says volunteers rent these underground playgrounds to keep the children entertained.
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He told AFP: “We decided to rent out spaces underground, in basements. They have playgrounds, rec rooms, and even a theatre.
“We planned a lot of activities for the kids and gave out gifts to make them as happy as possible during Eid.
“We had a party in the basement so that no one has to be afraid of being in the street,” 10-year-old Yumna says timidly.
“Here, the world is safe.”
More than 300,000 people have been killed in Syria’s war so far and the United Nations estimates that at least 2.1 million Syrian children and teenagers don’t have access to education.
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