May 28th, 2013 marked the 14th annual World Play Day, with celebrations in early childhood learning centers around the world. In South Africa, the Cotlands organization hosted festivities for hundreds of children at their locations in five provinces around the country.
Cotlands, one of South Africa’s best-known nonprofit organizations, campaigns for early childhood education. The organization runs community-based early learning groups and toy libraries, and incorporates nutrition and social support into their programs.
The goal of World Play Day, hosted by Cotlands, was to provide learning experiences to children as they play and interact with the world around them. This year’s theme, “Making Sense of Play” included activities to stimulate children’s senses and encourage construction and problem solving.
Only 32% of South African children under five have access to early childhood development programs. Cotlands seeks to expand its programs to reach more children, and educate parents on the importance of early childhood education. The organization currently serves over 8000 children across the country.
World Play Day was first established by the nonprofit group The International Toy Library Association. According to the Association, children have a “right” to play, and play itself is “essential to optimal educational, physical, psychological, social and cultural development.” The ITLA encourages cooperation between early childhood educators and toy library organizations around the world. It also coordinates World Play Day, which was celebrated in schools, parks, and learning centers in Africa, Asia, and North and South America this year.
Creative Commons Love: Phalinn Ooi on Flickr.com
Written by Carla Drumhiller Smith