Jordan is home to over 600,000 Syrian refugees. Nearly a third have specific physical or intellectual needs.
 
The Za’atari inclusive playground is one of the first of its kind in a refugee camp. It's part of a wider program in Jordan to promote inclusiveness in education, with play one of the main ways young children learn.
 
The playground includes a swing, merry-go-round, and seesaw accessible to wheelchairs.
 
It also has a loudspeaker and giant xylophone for children with sensory disabilities, and a sandpit and beanbag designed for children with autism.
 
It’s hoped it will become a prototype for future playgrounds around the world, ensuring all children can be included in play. 
 

Amal, 9, is in third grade at her school in the refugee camp.

UNICEF supports over 18,000 children to go to school in Za’atari, including 700 children with disabilities.
 
Working with partners, UNICEF is redesigning schools to make them more accessible, providing academic support to students, and providing assistive devices, like hearing aids. This program is supported by the Australian Government, UK Aid, and the Government of the Republic of Korea.


Smiles all round from Ala’a (9)