Alexandra Illmer, Deputy Representative of the United Nations Children's Fund, speaks during a celebration of the International Day of Play in Gaborone, Botswana, on June 11, 2024. Botswana observed the first International Day of Play Tuesday by organizing a ceremony of fun with the participation of children. June 11 was designated as the International Day of Play by the United Nations General Assembly to promote and preserve children's right to play. (Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua)
GABORONE, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Botswana observed the first International Day of Play Tuesday by organizing a ceremony of fun with the participation of children.
June 11 was designated as the International Day of Play by the United Nations General Assembly to promote and preserve children's right to play.
Tuesday's event, with the attendance of teachers, health practitioners and stakeholders, featured soccer playing, dancing and singing. Some children played with dolls and drew pictures. The event was hosted by Learn to Play, a charitable organization, in collaboration with the Gaborone City Council and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
These activities aimed to foster joy and learning in children, as well as bring together stakeholders, community influencers, and policymakers to help ensure more effective, inclusive, and accessible early childhood development programs, said Priyanka Handa Ram, co-founder, and chief executive officer of Learn to Play in Gaborone, Botswana's capital.
Learn to Play is a charitable organization founded in 2017 to create a sustainable cycle of transformation for the next generation of Botswana children.
During the ceremony, Alexandra Illmer, deputy representative of UNICEF, said the day is a significant milestone in their collective efforts to preserve, promote, and prioritize play, ensuring that all people, particularly children, can reap its profound benefits and thrive in their full potential.
"Play is not merely a pastime; it is the foundation upon which healthy childhood development is built. Through play, children develop essential cognitive, physical, creative, social, and emotional skills necessary to navigate and flourish in our rapidly changing world," she said.
She noted that in educational settings, play-based learning has been identified as an effective method of actively involving learners in the learning process. It makes learning more enjoyable and meaningful, increasing motivation and retention of information.
"We have been working to drive stronger early childhood development (ECD) efforts and outcomes since Learn to Play was founded. Collaborations and commemorations such as this are what help us all ensure that ECD becomes a greater priority nationally, harnessing the power of play to provide high-quality and culturally relevant early childhood education," said Handa Ram. ■
Children participate in a celebration of the International Day of Play in Gaborone, Botswana, on June 11, 2024. Botswana observed the first International Day of Play Tuesday by organizing a ceremony of fun with the participation of children. June 11 was designated as the International Day of Play by the United Nations General Assembly to promote and preserve children's right to play. (Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua)
