Restoring Spaces, Empowering Communities: How Abna’ El Quds Became a Hub of Hope

STORY

September 17, 2025

Group of people seated along a stone courtyard wall near an arched doorway. — Women circle at Abna’ El Quds Community Center’s newly restored square

UNDP/PAPP image Bank- Ahed Izhaiman

In the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City, where residents face daily social and economic barriers, access to safe public spaces is limited, and opportunities for youth, women, and marginalized groups are often out of reach. In this context, empowerment initiatives that foster inclusive, supportive environments and promote well-being and social cohesion are more critical than ever.

Through a socio-economic revitalization project implemented by UNDP/PAPP, and funded by the German government through its development bank (KfW) under the Investment Programme for Resilience (IPR I) and in partnership with Abna’ El Quds Community Center, a once-deteriorated space has been transformed into a vibrant hub for learning and community connection.

Woman in a dark coat walks past a stone wall and metal doorway.

Man leaping mid-air on a green soccer field with a stone fortress wall in the background.

Photos before the renovation works Abna' El Quds Community Centre. UNDP/PAPP image bank- Ahed Izhaiman

The project transformed an abandoned and deteriorated 300 m² building into a multi-purpose center by restoring three previously unusable halls and addressing structural issues such as humidity and water leakage. As a result, the space became safe, functional, and sustainable.

The garden was also rehabilitated, addressing the city’s urgent need for accessible public spaces by providing additional space, expanding service delivery, and attracting families from within and beyond the Old City. The newly revitalized garden, featuring the 'Tahat Al-Touta' cultural café, now serves as a green space where families can gather, connect and thrive.

Today, the center has been brought back to life, welcoming over 2,000 residents with open doors and open hearts. It offers a range of inclusive programmes, including sports and educational programs for youth, psychosocial support for those in need, empowerment sessions led by and for women and activities tailored for the elderly and people with disabilities, which fosters community bonding, social interaction, and outdoor activities.

Sunny outdoor garden cafe with round tables and chairs around a central stone fire pit.

Chain-link fence in front of a historic stone fortress with arches and floodlights under a blue sky.

Stone wall with pale blue door featuring a narrow barred window; exterior light above.

Photos After the renovation works Abna' El Quds Community Centre. UNDP/PAPP image bank- Ahed Izhaiman

Anas Ishtayeh, Manager of the cultural café, explains: “The renovation positively impacted the lives of Old City residents by providing a safe and well-equipped environment for educational and recreational activities targeting children, while also creating an inclusive space that welcomes all community members.”

From Sadia neighborhood, to Shuafat and Kufr Aqab, the ripple effects are being felt across neighborhoods: children are learning in safe spaces, women are leading community initiatives, and people once excluded now feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Following the expansion, the center successfully increased its capacity to accommodate more women, addressing a previous gap despite having nearly 300 women registered. New dedicated spaces enabled women to implement initiatives in health, sports, and arts through the center programs.

Mrs. Alya Najm, 75 years old, a former employee of Abna’ El Quds community center says: “Abna’ El Quds Community Center serves all age groups, offering various programmes and recreational activities. As women, we benefited from awareness sessions and training programs on topics like early marriage, cooking and sport courses”.

The availability of an educational space has allowed Abna’ El Quds Community Center to adopt a new approach, focusing on children's education, life skills development, community integration, and behaviour improvement, and offering supportive educational activities for students, particularly those with learning difficulties.

Asil Abbasi, 12 years old, one of the students benefiting from the academic courses offered by the center, expressed her appreciation for the improved learning environment, saying: “The space became much more comfortable, and we were able to attend the courses in a wider and more flexible way. It helped us learn better and enjoy the sessions more.”

The project also created a safe space for the elderly in the city, addressing their need for a comfortable place to gather and engage in shared activities. Mr. Subhi Nasser, 64 years old, who is a regular visitor to the center, says: “Expanding the center gave us a safe space to spend time, talk, and move around instead of sitting alone at home. We benefited from the workshops, awareness sessions, and psychosocial support. Older people need a place where they don’t feel forgotten”.

UNDP/PAPP continues to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable and marginalized communities in the occupied Palestinian territory, working to strengthen their access to socio-economic services while fostering social engagement within disadvantaged areas. Abna’ El Quds success story stands as a powerful example of how revitalized spaces can serve as inclusive hubs for community engagement, physical activity, and personal development.