Bernhard Kampmann, Ambassador of Germany to Jordan, and Tamara Alrifai, Director of External Relations and Communications of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), inaugurated a green play area at the Talbieh Girls’ School.

The transformation of the 150 m2 playground was funded by the Government of Germany, following a visit by the German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, to the Talbieh camp for Palestine refugees in February 2022, where she met students in the Talbieh Girls’ School, run by UNRWA. The students  talked with her about their studies, their ambitions, and their wish for a greener camp, with playgrounds and recreational spaces in the otherwise densely built and populated camp.

In a letter read out by Ambassador Kampmann, the German Foreign Minister said: “I am glad that we were able to provide this support – I am convinced that every child deserves a good school, and also one with a beautiful school yard. With this project, we want to show that we see the people that UNRWA serves every day and the dedication of UNRWA staff: teachers, doctors, and the humanitarian personnel.”

“We are thrilled to see a playground with trees and plants,” said Tamara Alrifai. “UNRWA is strongly advocating for greener camps and for recreational areas for camp residents, including children. Here, it is the children’s right to play and to safety that Germany is directly supporting. It would be fantastic if similar green spaces were replicated across all UNRWA camps in the region,” she continued.

In his speech, Ambassador Kampmann also thanked UNRWA for their immediate support to Palestine refugees affected by the earthquakes last week: “Our hearts and thoughts are with those affected by the disastrous earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. We are grateful for UNRWA’s assistance to Palestine refugees – especially in times of hardship, but also every day here in Jordan.”