Playtime in Ghana: Children's Voices on International Day
What play means to me - Ghanaian Children on International Day of Play
This June 11th marks the first International Day of Play, a significant milestone in recognizing the power of play for all, especially children!
However, play is a right not everyone can enjoy. Many children across the globe are deprived of the right to play.
Limiting play can negatively impact a child's development. Play is not limited to having fun, today it's a tool to help children develop.
Did you know? Playtime outside used to be a daily adventure for our grandparents' generation, with nearly three-quarters playing outside multiple times a week. Today, that number has dropped dramatically, with only 1 in 4 children enjoying that same freedom.
But play is more than just fun and games. It's a universal language and right that transcends borders and backgrounds, uniting us all. Play builds strong communities, fosters national pride, and most importantly, lets children be children!
Thankfully, the tide is turning. In schools, play-based learning is gaining recognition as a powerful tool for keeping students engaged and excited about learning. It fosters a love of education in a positive environment.
Here in Ghana, we're joining the global movement to celebrate play!
Here are some voices from children in Ghana on what play means to them:
“My favourite game is Antoakyire. This play helps me to notice the good things and stay away from bad things. It helps me feel confident about myself and not shy away. According to Mark Bekoff, play is training for the unexpected.”
“My favourite game is Pilolo. This play balances my learning and leisure time.”
“For me, play helps me to develop new tactics. For example, in the game of chess or football, you learn new strategies to trap your opponents and win the game. It is also a gateway to learn new ways of learning.”
“My favourite game is Ampe. Play makes me feel happy and excited.”
“My favourite game is Oware. Play helps me to relax after studies to renew my mind and understand better what I learnt. It also helps me to create games out of topics to understand them better. I admire a quote from Plato which says Do not keep your children to their studies by compulsion but by play.”
“My favourite game is Hot-seat. It helps me improve my vocabulary.”
“My favourite game is Double double. After I play, I learn multiples of numbers which improves my learning especially mathematics. According to Dawn Lantero time spent playing with children is never wasted.”
Play fosters resilience, creativity and innovation in individuals. For children in particular, play helps build relationships and improves control, overcome trauma and problem-solving. It helps children develop their cognitive, physical, creative, social, and emotional skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
UNICF is working with Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service and partners implement Differentiated Learning Plus (DL+) – a play-based learning approach. DL+ is making it possible for children to learn according to their abilities and it improves their literacy and numeracy skills.
Thanks to our long-term partner, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation children in Ghana are having fun whilst they learn.
