DOUMA, Syria: Syrian children love playgrounds like kids all over the world but in rebel-held towns near Damascus swing sets are made of spent rockets and jungle gyms are tucked underground. Since then, children have grown accustomed to warnings not to play outside — but the grown-ups are finding creative ways to make sure kids can still have fun. In Douma, Eastern Ghouta’s largest town, children sprint towards red-and-black swings made of rockets which government MiG fighters jets once rained on their hometown. “This is how we made the impossible, possible—that something used to kill can be turned into a toy that makes children happy,” said Abu Ali. And Ghadir, nine, says he’s grateful to Abu Ali for making new toys for Douma’s children.

Source: Manila Times September 17, 2016 13:41 UTC