Seville Golden Pre-School Benefits from Hopscotch Project

KINGSTON, OCTOBER 17, 2025: The Seville Golden Pre-School in St. Ann came alive with colour and excitement during Heritage Week as UNICEF Jamaica, the Early Childhood Commission (ECC) and Sherwin-Williams Jamaica officially handed over a newly painted hopscotch court, the second of 35 installed in early childhood institutions island wide to encourage play-based learning.

The project, launched last year in celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, highlights the power of play as a foundation for children’s development and lifelong learning.

“At UNICEF, we believe that play is a fundamental right for every child,” said Mr. Mohammad Mohiuddin, Representative (Officer in Charge) UNICEF Jamaica. “When children play, they are learning to count, to cooperate, to express themselves, and to build confidence. These hopscotch courts symbolize our collective commitment to making early education joyful, inclusive and effective.”

The colourful hopscotch courts were designed and painted through a collaboration among school leaders, teachers, parents and partners from the ECC and Sherwin-Williams Jamaica. Each court provides an opportunity for children to learn essential numeracy, literacy and life skills through movement and fun.

Ms. Sophia Stewart, Jamaica School Readiness Assessment (JSRA) Coordinator at the ECC, underscored the educational value of the project. “Play is one of the most powerful ways children learn,” she said. “Through this partnership, we are supporting our teachers with creative tools that stimulate young minds and strengthen the foundation for lifelong learning.”

Sherwin-Williams Jamaica donated gallons of paint and provided technical assistance for preparing the space for the courts. “We are proud to be a part of this project that supports early childhood education. The joy and curiosity this hopscotch court inspires, reminds us why investing in children always yields the greatest returns,” Ms. Yanique Grant, Marketing Specialist at Sherwin-Williams Jamaica said.

Principal, Mrs. Marcia Williams-Mitchell expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of her school community. “This gift brings learning to life, and our students are excited to play and learn in new ways. We are truly thankful to UNICEF, the ECC and Sherwin-Williams Jamaica for helping us make learning fun,” she noted.

The Hopscotch Courts project forms part of UNICEF’s broader efforts to promote play-based learning across Jamaica. Resources and guidance for teachers, parents and communities on using play to enhance learning are available on UNICEF Jamaica’s Learning Passport platform.