Kharbatha Bani Hareth | Rehabilitation and Expansion of the Village Council Park Project

Kharbatha Bani Harith is a Palestinian village located 23 kilometers west of Ramallah. Its name reflects the village’s layered history—derived in part from the term “kharab” (ruins), referencing the scattered archaeological remains in the area, and in part from “Harith”, attributed either to a historic military leader or to the prominent Yemeni tribe of Al-Harith. Despite this rich historical depth, the village today lies within the so-called Area “C,” where development is severely constrained, and essential infrastructure remains under strain due to longstanding structural and political barriers.

Within this context, the project “Rehabilitation and Expansion of the Village Council Park” emerged as a meaningful intervention rooted in a genuine community need—not merely to address the absence of public spaces, but to redefine their role as tools for rebuilding the relationship between people and their environment.

The goal was not just to renovate an existing site, but to create an inclusive, safe, and open space that reflects the community's aspirations. The growing number of visitors following the park’s development is a clear indicator of its value—not only as a recreational space, but as a catalyst for social connection and collective well-being.

The economic dimension of the project was equally impactful. It generated both direct and indirect job opportunities and helped increase the local council’s revenue—strengthening its ability to sustain public services. A strategic partnership with the private sector further contributed to the project’s sustainability, introducing an efficient management model less dependent on external funding.

On the social level, the project embodied a spirit of collective ownership. It was selected through a community-led process, with strong participation from women and youth. Volunteer efforts played a key role in implementation, while a dedicated youth team was formed to support the park’s ongoing management—anchoring the project within the community’s everyday life.

Today, Kharbatha Bani Harith Park stands as more than just a green space. It is a testament to what communities can achieve when given the tools to organize, participate, and lead. It proves that meaningful development is possible—even in the most challenging environments—when local will aligns with strategic vision and the capacity to act.

This project is part of the Sub-Grant Program, which is implemented by the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) in Area C. The initiatives under this program are not merely about infrastructure improvement, but serve as practical tools to keep communities rooted in their land, expand spaces of life in the face of closure and confiscation, and turn development into a daily act of resilience that safeguards rights, memory, and existence.

funded by: the European Union and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)