Appeal for playground equipment in 2020

Dear Friends

For many years the children of the Primary School enjoyed the use of a wonderful playground that your support has enabled us to build. Over the last few years our school playground has been reduced to a bare, uninviting muddy area. The equipment had aged and new safety standards implemented, led to the removal of swings, slides and a playhouse by the local council. The Ministry of Education will not replace them as the school is built on private and not public land. A week ago the last remaining climbing structure, the much loved, monkey bars were taken down.

We are appealing to you to help us raise $75,000 for a new school playground

All donations for the playground will be matched dollar-for-dollar

The removal of the monkey bars was indeed the turning point for the children. They are now left with nothing to play on, before, during and after school. Having learned about their democratic rights in our new school curriculum, the children made signs and demonstrated that they wanted and needed a new playground! They voiced their dissatisfaction and wrote a petition demanding action for a better place to play! The staff are channeling the children’s energy to work together, ensuring creating a new playground is part of their educational journey.

A committee of children, with representatives from all classes has been formed to brainstorm and organize a range of fundraising activities. The children are launching a campaign to transform this empty space, into an interactive, engaging playground. The first donation for the new playground came from a child who donated $5 that was given to him by his grandmother for his birthday. Parents are volunteering their time and have also formed a committee to raise funds and help.

A children’s playground is vitally important providing opportunities for friendship building and releasing energy. This is the only place where Jewish and Arab children enjoy interaction outside of the classroom. The new playground will be designed to promote a range of social, motor and physical skills. The children and teachers will work with a professional playground architect to develop an overall design of the outdoor space. All equipment and installation will adhere to the strict safety regulations.

Please give generously today and your support will be doubled, helping us build a new school playground for our children.

$15,000 has already been pledged. With your help, we hope to be to install the first new piece of play equipment in the beginning of 2020.

We are producing a short film about this project, which we will send soon.

Wishing you a happy Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year, full of magical miracles.

Samah, Director of Communications and Development
Carmella, The School Principal,
Children, staff and parents of WASNS Primary School