The Power of Early Learning and Play
How UNICEF’s Play-Based Learning Help Vulnerable Children in Crisis
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Every child deserves access to quality early childhood education, as it serves as the foundation of their life journey. The success of every subsequent stage of education relies on this vital foundation. However, for children facing emergencies – especially refugee and other vulnerable children, the importance of education extends beyond mere academic preparation. In such contexts, education provides essential psychosocial support, offering stability and structure that children need to cope with the double trauma they have experienced.
UNICEF and its partners have been actively supporting early childhood education services across seven provinces in Türkiye that were severely impacted by the earthquakes in February 2023. UNICEF’s efforts have reached over 33,000 refugee and Turkish children, approximately 50% of whom are girls, across 15 locations. To facilitate learning, play, and healing, UNICEF, with generous funding from the United States Government, has established Playrooms in temporary spaces such as tents, containers, and outdoor areas. These Playrooms offer structured, engaging environments where children can participate in three-hour daily sessions, equipped with essential learning materials.
“These children are all earthquake survivors. As we integrate these children into the early childhood education system, we contribute positively to their physical and cognitive development, as well as their emotional well-being.” Says Gönül Navruz, an Early Children Education Facilitator in Islahiye.
Recognizing the critical role parents play in their children’s development, UNICEF integrates parental involvement into its early childhood education services. This approach empowers parents to support their children’s growth outside of the Playrooms, transforming the healing process into a collective journey for the entire community. By sharing joyful moments of play and learning, parents and caregivers can strengthen their bonds with children, as even brief periods of play serve as powerful reminders of their capacity to nurture and support.
The establishment of these Playrooms also significantly benefits parents by providing them with much-needed time for themselves. With children engaged in a safe and nurturing environment, parents can take the opportunity to socialize, attend to household chores, or simply rest and recharge. This newfound time offers mental comfort, alleviating some of the stress and anxiety that often accompany parenting in challenging circumstances. Moreover, parents can take solace in knowing that their children are not missing out on essential educational and developmental experiences, allowing them to focus on their own mental health and well-being.
Despite these significant efforts, there remains a pressing need for early childhood education services for children aged three to five, particularly in the earthquake-affected and hard-to-reach areas of Türkiye. UNICEF, supported by generous funding from the United States Government, is committed to addressing this gap by continuing to provide quality early education where it is most needed. For families living in temporary shelters, the Playrooms not only create a space for learning but also foster a sense of hope and stability.
As children engage in play, learning, and social interaction with their peers, they begin to heal from their traumatic experiences. With the ongoing support of generous donors like the United States Government, UNICEF is dedicated to shaping a brighter future for these young children, ensuring that they have the opportunity to thrive despite the challenges they face.
