(live here) – While many cities in Israel are embracing the trend of “healing courtyards” in educational institutions – natural courtyards that encourage children’s mental and physical well-being – Haifa appears to be going in the opposite direction. The city’s new and renovated courtyards of kindergartens and schools are being covered with synthetic grass and colored asphalt, completely losing their connection to nature – this is what City Council members Zeev Sanenzon and David Etzioni claim in a proposal they submitted to the City Council.
The Haifa Municipality proudly displays the renovated courtyards, when in reality, the decision to forgo natural elements creates an alienated and artificial environment. Instead of trees, soil, and vegetation, children play on lifeless plastic surfaces, which turn the courtyards into a soulless "urban desert," explain Sanenzon and Tsittsian in their proposal. It is now clear that the Ministry of Education also understands that this is a problematic trend. Studies show that natural courtyards help children's emotional, cognitive, and motor development. In addition, the natural environment improves mood and contributes to the well-being of education staff.
What are "healing courtyards" and why are they important?
"Healing courtyards" are outdoor spaces in schools and kindergartens that incorporate natural elements – soil, plants, trees, water sources and stones. These spaces encourage positive interaction with the environment, creativity, sensory development and encourage free and healthy movement.
The Ministry of Education itself defines the importance of such courtyards in an official document:
"This document was written with a deep understanding and recognition of the great importance of planning and developing learning environments in educational structures, and in particular natural outdoor spaces in educational institutions, and their significant impact on the perception of health and healing..." (from the document "Planning Principles: Healing Courtyards in Educational Institutions").
Other cities are already there – what about Haifa?
Cities such as Tel Aviv, Herzliya, Ramat Hasharon, and many regional councils have already adopted the model of healing courtyards. An example of this can be seen in the "Hadar Hasharon" school in the Lev Hasharon Regional Council, where the entire school yard was designed as an inviting natural space – and the funding for this came from the Ministry of Education.
In light of this, Sanenzon and Tziyon are submitting the proposal to the City Council and proposing to convene a discussion in the Council with professional representatives who will present the issue and its importance, and will also recommend to the Mayor and the Head of the Education Department, Ilana Truk, that pilot funding be allocated for therapeutic courtyards in two kindergartens and two elementary schools in the city as early as the 2025 budget year.
Will Haifa join the change?
It is time for Haifa to understand that education in a natural environment is a vital necessity, not a luxury. Our children deserve yards that encourage growth, creativity, and health – not just artificial and synthetic yards. Decisions made today will affect the next generation of the city’s students, with the hope that Haifa will pick up the gauntlet.
This is what happens when you elect a rotten mayor.
Mummies should be inside a sarcophagus, not in a city hall.
And most importantly, it prevents accidents and fires,
by:
Keeping trees away from homes, we saw how forest fires consume homes😢
And keeping trees away from power lines, no need for explanation…
We have new rotating city council members,
But it's important in the context of the important things they raised.
It should also be noted that it is forbidden to approve large construction such as Tama 38/Building renewal near educational facilities.
It's definitely related.
Synthetic grass is harmful to the environment and humans
Synthetic grass often contains heavy metals. Over time, it breaks down and is harmful to health.
Good article, Samar Odeh. Good night and blessed.
Our children are not mice in a cage. Let them touch nature.