On 30th April, we’re getting even more excited than we usually do about play. Why? Because it’s the first National Play Day in Uganda! #UgPlayDay will showcase the best practices of play-based early childhood development programs and pre-primary education services. Uganda is the first country in the world to have its own national play day since the UN resolution to hold an International Play Day.
This important day is monumental for many reasons. In particular, because play has often not been given the credit it deserves in childhood development. Play is a fundamental right for every child, everywhere and we are delighted that Uganda, where Play Action started out work many years ago is recognising its value as a national day.
The focus for the day will be on how children can learn through play and the different ways the adults in their lives can participate in enhancing the children’s learning through play – something we at Play Action believe in firmly.
What’s more, the day will also celebrate the children affected by humanitarian disasters and the role that play can have on helping them navigate through trauma. This is another area of work that we focus on and more awareness for the power of play for these disadvantaged children is crucial to the future of our work. As part of the celebrations, Play Action will be part of two play hubs; ‘how children learn through play’ and ‘how to make toys’.
Murielle Maupoint, CEO, Play Action International said,
“The first National Play Day marks a step change in the way play is being understood globally. We’ve been positively impacting the lives of hundreds of thousands of children for over 15 years.
With organisations such as UNICEF, the Lego Foundation, Plan International Uganda and Education Cannot Wait joining forces to put play at the top of the agenda, this is an amazing opportunity to encourage others to follow suit and recognise the importance of play in child development.”
Other NGOs including UNICEF Uganda, The Lego Foundation and more will be taking part in the day that’s all about play! Our playful partners will be celebrating Uganda’s first National Play Day on social media, so if you want to join in the fun, please do using the hashtag #UgPlayDay.
