In the town of Ghat, in Southern Libya, 39-year-old Zahra Abdo had long watched the once-vibrant garden within her community fall into disrepair. For over a decade, she witnessed the slow decay of a space that had once been a cherished gathering place for families.
“The garden used to be a haven for us” Zahra recalled, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. Memories flood back of joyful days filled with the sounds of children playing on swings and the warm chatter of neighbours enjoying picnics together. Families would gather, sharing stories and laughter under the shade of trees, creating bonds that strengthened the community. However, as time passed, those joyful scenes were replaced by neglect and danger.
As the garden fell into decay, Zahra grew increasingly concerned for the safety of her beloved nephews and nieces. “It’s become a dangerous place” she explains. “I constantly watch over the kids when they play outside the house, especially with cars speeding by on the nearby streets. The joy we once felt in this space turned into anxiety and fear.” Zahra longed for the days when the garden was filled with life and laughter.
Fortunately, the community’s need for renewal did not go unnoticed. The garden’s renovation was undertaken under the Baladiyati Programme, funded by the European Union, and was implemented by AICS in partnership with Help Code and Pioneers for Development. This joint effort aimed to revive the neglected space, transforming it into a safe and vibrant hub for the community once again.
As the renovation began, Zahra felt a flicker of hope. She eagerly watched as workers arrived to start the transformation, excited to see the changes unfold.
Now, with the project completed, Zahra’s nephews and nieces are bursting with excitement. “They’ve been waiting for this for so long” she shares, a broad smile illuminating her face.
“With summer break here, they can’t wait to explore all the new swings and slides. I can already hear their laughter echoing in my mind.” The thought of children playing freely in a safe environment brings Zahra immense joy.
For Zahra, the transformation of the garden represents more than just physical renewal; it symbolizes the restoration of a community treasure. “We used to spend wonderful times there, drinking tea and enjoying the greenery” she reminisces. “It’s heartwarming to see it looking fresh and welcoming again. I know we’ll all be spending a lot of time there this summer, creating new memories.”
As her nephews and nieces prepare to explore the rejuvenated garden, Zahra can’t help but feel a sense of pride and relief, knowing that the place she once feared has been reclaimed as a safe and joyful haven.
This story was written by AICS based on content collected on ground by Helpcode
Photo credit: Helpcode
