Play Africa champions the right to play at We the Children walk at Constitutional Hill
JOHANNESBURG – Play Africa supported the We the Children walk to allow children and families to engage in educational play.
Play Africa held a special one-day event at Constitution Hill on 26 March to honour children and champion their right to play in a safe environment.
In support of Constitution Hill’s We the People, and We the Children walks, Play Africa offered activities for children up to the age of 10 and their families after the walk.
The fun family-centred activities celebrated every child’s right to play and learn through hands-on, experiential learning.
Children and families who participated in the We the Children’ walk had a chance to try a range of activities which supported the children’s cognitive, emotional, social and physical development. They were able to play with large blocks, view in the Play Africa Children’s Planetarium and vote on issues related to children.
“We are thrilled to offer South Africa’s children and families these exciting new play-based learning experiences that foster a sense of teamwork, collaboration and mutual respect,” said Gretchen Wilson-Prangley, chief executive officer of Play Africa.
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“Play Africa celebrates and nurtures accompanied play between children and the grown-ups who love them. Through our unique hands-on activities, Play Africa nurtures children’s own concept of themselves and their rights as secured in the South African Constitution,” said Futhi Mbongwe, Play Africa’s programme co-ordinator.
“We encourage parents to see their children as playful, curious individuals, and as full citizens with full rights under South Africa’s Constitution.”
Play Africa creates opportunities for young children and families to come together in shared public spaces all over Johannesburg, serving 2 955 children last year.
According to Unicef, only 29 per cent of South Africa’s children has access to safe play areas. “When seven of every 10 children in our country do not have access to child-safe play areas, we have a play crisis,” said Wilson-Prangley, who added that the lack of power in childhood means children depend on adults to help meet their needs, including their need for play.
Edited by Stacey Woensdregt
