Botswana celebrates inaugural International Day of Play
Botswana commemorates first International Day of Play
Gaborone, Botswana 11 June 2024 - UNICEF in collaboration with Gaborone City Council, Ministry of Education and Skills Development and Learn how to Play Botswana commemorated first International Day of Play this month.
Speaking at the event, UNICEF Deputy Representative, Ms. Alexandra Illmer, 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
Illmer added that play helps children to forge relationships with others, build resilience and leadership skills. She added that playful interactions between parents and children build strong bonds. When parents respond to a child’s cues during play, it fosters trust, emotional security, and attachment. To ensure every child grows up feeling safe and loved, Illmer called on all stakeholders to strengthen efforts and investment in:
- Playful learning: Expanding access to learning and play spaces for children, including preschools, schools, and playgrounds.
- Parenting support: Scaling up evidence-based parenting programmes that promote positive, playful approaches, and prevent family violence
The commemoration was attended by children, parents, teachers, health practitioners and stakeholders. It featured various activities such as soccer, games, dancing and singing. Some children played with dolls and drew pictures. For her part, chief executive officer of Learn to Play, Priyanka Handa Ram said 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.
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.
