A toy library
the right to play for rural children in Sri Lanka
The toy library at the Kokkadicholai, Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) in Batticaloa, is a popular feature amongst the children who accompany parents to the local authority offices. Daily these offices provide municipal services to nearly 100 households in this district located in the eastern shoreline of Sri Lanka. Around ten children enjoy the library facilities each day.
I love the orange teddy bear. It’s my favourite toy,” says 4-year-old Ms Virusali. “There are big balls, cars, puzzles, building blocks, drawing books and crayons at the toy library. I love to draw and colour. But mostly, I like to play with the orange teddy bear.”
The concept of the toy library was initiated by Ms. Rohini Vigneswaran, Secretary, Kokkodicholai Pradesha Saba to improve play, social welfare, health and education of the children and families of the area.
The library was established in October 2021 with the support of UNICEF with the financial assistance from the Government of South Korea. The library is designed to encourage cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being of children through play: a variety of toys, games, activities and books; a toy lending facility which gives families the opportunity to borrow a toy for a week; and responsible personnel to overlook the library and ensure a safe environment for children to play and socialize with others, complete the concept.
"There are many vulnerable families in my administrative area. Many of whom don’t have the capacity to understand the importance of play and leisure for children. For these families a toy to play with or a visit to the park is just a dream,” explains Ms. Vigneswaran.
Ms. Vigneswaran’s exposure in servicing various local authorities, including municipal and urban councils, along with her close engagements with UNICEF on the Child Friendly City initiative (CFCI) in Kokkdocholai, has motivated her to continue to advocate for the rights of the children and create opportunities for children and their families to realize their rights. She learned of the concept of the toy library whilst on a CFCI learning tour in South Korea.
“I learned of the toy library concept during a study tour in South Korea. And I decided to make it a reality for the people of Kokkadicholai. Thanks to the generous support of the Korean people providing the funding through UNICEF, we were able to establish the first toy library in Sri Lanka in Kokkaddicholai."
Before the library was founded, children would idle around the offices waiting for their parents to finish the work. This is often boring and tiring for the children. With the new facility, children in rural Kokkadicholai now have the opportunity to learn through play and socialize in a safe environment. For the parents in the community, it’s a dream come true.
Virusali’s mother, Ms. Mehala (28) affirms, “I often take my daughter with me whenever I have work to attend to at the Pradeshiya Sabha. Since the establishment of the library, I am happy to leave her there.”
“She is always thrilled to visit the library and she always runs to get the orange teddy bear. It’s her favourite. Last time she could not find it and she cried. But I can see that she has found it again.”
“The library is a safe place for children. And they get to play with other children. I can now attend to my work without a worry. And at the end of the day, I have a very happy child.”
