NGOs take a stand on World Play Day
According to the coalition, play and recreation are essential to the development, learning, health and wellbeing.
TURFFONTEIN – World Play Day, May 28 was used by Cotlands and A Chance to Play Southern Africa (ACTPSA) to hold government accountable.
They announced their advocacy statement to hold government accountable to uphold Article 31 of United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and Article 12 of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).
During press briefing, ACTPSA regional coordinator Regina Mandikonza said the problem is that civil society and government do not value, understand, promote and legislate for play as a right and essential development and recreation activity as per UNCRC’s Article 31 and Article 12 of the ACRWC.
According to the coalition, play and recreation are essential to children’s development, learning, health and well-being.
Cotlands, together with other members of ACTPSA coalition, hope by 2017 to have:
• Play and recreation integrated into early childhood development programmes as well as learning and health programmes.
• Designated, quality, free, safe and well-maintained play areas and recreation facilities in every community that is suitable for all children, including children with disabilities.
• National, provincial and local government meet their international and regional obligation on the right to play in upholding the provisions in Article 31 of the UNCRC and Article 12 of the ACRWC.
Jackie Schoeman, Cotlands CEO said that play is fundamental to the learning process and is the reason why Cotlands chose to adopt play-based methods in their new child care model.
“If we are serious about ending the cycle of poverty and a creating a world where children are able to access all the opportunities available to them, we need to start seeing play as an essential part of their development,
“Through play children learn and develop cognitive and social skills. Therefore, play is imperative to their physical and emotional well-being. However, by not prioritising safe places for children to play, governments in Southern Africa are denying children their fundamental right,” explained Jackie Schoeman.
According to ACTPSA, children living in urban areas are most at risk. “Parks and jungle gym areas that were created for children have been taken over by predators. Children no longer feel safe to engage with each other or explore in open spaces which hinder holistic development,” said Regina Mandikonza.
