Gretchen Wilson Prangley, CEO and founder of Play Africa, started the organisation in 2012 after visiting her family in America. “I was totally blown away by what I saw, as a parent I would love something like this in South Africa,” she said.
According to Prangley, once built, the museum will be open to two million children living in Johannesburg and the greater Johannesburg areas.
“The aim of the museum is for families to learn, play and dream together,” said Prangley. “What we are designing is something that will draw families of all backgrounds together,”
Wilson Prangley explained that the team has spent two years planning Play Africa in consultation with more than 1 000 local leaders from South African businesses, government and civil society.
“I think one of the biggest challenges has been trying to explain to South Africans the concept of a ‘children’s museum’, and what an important and valuable role these family-friendly spaces play in communities around the world,” explained Prangley.
One of the ideas is to make Johannesburg a more child-friendly and family-friendly centred city. The concept has already received attention from neighbouring countries such as Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Although the exact location cannot yet be disclosed,Prangley confirmed that the museum would be based in Johannesburg.
In order to bring residents of Johannesburg together in one beautiful facility, Play Africa needs to be in an area that is safe, and perceived as safe, for children and families and highly accessible to residents from across the city.
Prangley explained that Play Africa was currently in conversations with the City of Johannesburg and Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo about a
phenomenal potential site, “We hope to be able to announce an agreement this June.”
The museum will be targeted at children between the ages of one and 10 years old and will access exhibits that specially cater to their cognitive, physical, emotional and social development.
“Beyond that, exhibits are also designed to intrigue and excite the pupil in all of us, so adults will be captivated as well.”
According to Prangley, accessibility was extremely important to the organisation, “We believe all children in Johannesburg deserve an educational experience worthy of their potential and as a result, we are talking with the City of Joburg about securing one or more buses for this purpose.”
Details: 011 480 4892; playafrica.org.za; gretchen@playafrica.org.za
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