School as a community center

I was on my evening stroll at a nearby park, when I was handed out a poster by two young volunteers. The words of urban farming, community and architecture caught my attention. To find like-minded people right around the corner, grappled me with joy. The following Saturday evening, I and my parents landed up at an abandoned school unusually lit with beautiful warm toned lights. My Mom was elated at the sight of plants and families. When we were ushered into a hall two speakers talked about their proposal for a community garden in our area, by opening the boundary of the school site as a pubic space. Meanwhile, the kids had been receiving gardening tutorials outside the hall. As a part of the architectural fraternity, I felt immense respect for Sharjah Architecture Triennial to take up educational and engaging programs, whilst reviving one of the oldest UAE school. 

What shook me for the rest of the evening were the suggestions from the community. Everyone talked about parks, open library and community building programs that they wish to see in their neighborhood. I discerned that the road to sustainability is not challenging when the society recognizes primary steps for greener surroundings. I noticed the paintings on the school walls, reminiscent of a vibrant childhood of my neighborhood. We have come a full circle to gather yet again to educate ourselves and build a brighter future together. This taught me that schools need to be activated during leisure hours. These social powerhouses can indeed be perfect community centers. 

I cannot wait to graduate and foster my architectural learnings to give back to my community. After all, Sharjah being a cultural capital deserves to be supported by it's communities.