BAGHDAD — The conflict in Iraq has had a dramatic effect on many Iraqi children, but the children of Shaab now have a fun, safe place to play with the recent opening of the Araby Youth Center.
The center, funded through the Iraqi Economic Support Fund, is the first of its kind built by the Gulf Region District’s Loyalty Resident Office. The year-long project included the construction of martial arts training rooms, a 25-meter swimming pool, a weight room, game rooms for billiards and ping pong, a cafeteria with kitchen and a computer center for Internet access and video games. For added security, the 10,000 square-meter site is surrounded by security walls.
“The Al Araby Youth Center reflects the immense pride and a genuine sense of accomplishment by everyone who worked on this project,” said Inez Bergerson, the Loyalty Resident Office project engr. “The goal of all members of the project team, from the workers who cleared the site to the skilled craftsmen and engrs, was to build a facility for the enjoyment of the young Iraqis in this neighborhood. It's through the construction of facilities like these that Iraqi communities can join together and find hope for the future.” The facility will have a full time staff of 30 employees.
