Close to 300 children along with parents & caregivers observe 1st Intl’ Day of Play
Playful moments are essential for a child’s emotional well-being
GUYANA, 11 June 2024 -The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, the Government of Canada and UNICEF Guyana on June 11 hosted an inaugural event for the observance of the first ever International Day of Play.
The event was held at the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute at Cove and John, East Coast Demerara with hundreds of children from schools and Day Care centres across Guyana, parents and caregivers.
The occasion created a unifying opportunity to elevate the importance of play as central to children’s learning, well-being and development by ensuring time to play, space to play, and support for quality play are prioritized.
Minster of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud during remarks echoed the importance of play in the development of children’s innovative and creative skills, establishing healthy and positive social skills, mental well-being and how it could be utilized as a tool for early childhood development.
She noted that major investments are being made by her ministry in the area of Early Childhood Development (ECD) to increase awareness among parents and caregivers on the importance of play to children's growth and development and to provide them with strategies for playful learning.
The Minister thanked UNICEF and the Canadian government for their strong support and collaboration, while noting that more is needed to ensure every child can access their right to play.
Also highlighting the importance of Play in a child’s overall wellbeing at the event was UNICEF Guyana and Suriname Social Policy Specialist, Michael Gillis. He said, “Play is never just play. Play is powerful. The power of play unlocks potential, instills confidence, saves lives, heals, and creates a world of possibilities.”
He added, “Playful moments are essential for a child’s emotional well-being and studies have shown that making time for play even protects children from the negative impacts of prolonged exposure to stress. Long periods of stressful situations can affect a child’s physical and mental health.”
Gillis explained that even as we observe the right to play, we must ensure that right is always inclusive. “Inclusive play provides the opportunity for children without a disability to better understand and accept those with a disability, while helping them to develop social and cognitive skills,” he said.
He reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to working with the government, local communities and children to ensure that every child can access all their rights, including the right to play.
Thirty-five years ago, the Convention on the Rights of the Child came into being with Article 31 stating that parties recognize the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts.
On 25th March, 2024, 140 countries agreed that to observe International Day of Play on June 11 every year.