From building creativity and confidence to strengthening problem-solving and resilience, play can be one of the most powerful ways children learn, connect and thrive. It supports children in building social and emotional skills, strengthens creativity and problem-solving, fosters resilience and helps form meaningful connections, says the partnership.

Yet for many children, especially in densely populated and vulnerable communities in South Africa and globally, opportunities for safe, unstructured play are rapidly disappearing. Increasing safety concerns, limited public spaces, economic pressures and shifting lifestyles are creating a growing "play deficit" worldwide. Without safe environments to play, even the most supportive caregivers face barriers in ensuring children can fully develop, adds the partnership.

In response to this, the United Nations established the International Day of Play in March 2024, aimed at recognising the critical role of play in child development and calling on all sectors of society to prioritise it. International Day of Play aims to be a time to celebrate the power of play and raise awareness about how central it is to every child's development and well-being.

"Ensuring every child's right to play is essential to building healthier, more resilient societies. Play must be prioritised — in our policies, our communities and our everyday lives — because investing in play is investing in the future," says Johannes Wedenig, Representative of UNICEF South Africa.

This year's theme, "Protect Play, Protect Childhood", aims to be a clear call to action: without play, childhood itself is at risk. It aims to serve as a reminder to governments, businesses, schools and families that happy, healthy childhoods are built on play, adds the partnership.

"Play is far more than a child's favourite pastime; it is a fundamental right and one of the most powerful ways children learn, connect and thrive. We call on families, communities and the private sector to work with us to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has access to safe, inclusive and high-quality educational toys and resources," says Dr Monica Stach, Chief Executive Officer of Cotlands.

"Play is one of the most powerful, accessible and cost-effective tools we have to support early childhood development. Every song sung together, every story shared, every game played and every conversation held with a young child contributes to their growth, learning and wellbeing. By embracing playful interactions in our daily lives, we can help every child get the best possible start in life," says Marc Aguirre, County Director of HOPE Worldwide.
 
Based on these commitments, a global network of organisations says it aims to drive a movement to promote the power of play in key ways:

  • Playful Parenting: Universal access to evidence-based parenting programmes.
  • Learning Through Play: Universal access to early childhood education.
  • Space to Play: Safe, environmentally healthy play spaces for every child.

To mark the day, play events aimed at encouraging creativity, exploration and movement are being held at specific ECD centres. Reading books, activity books and puzzles are also being distributed for children to take home, thereby encouraging continued play experiences in their home environments, says the partnership.
 
"Play gives children a language before they have all the words," concludes Mari Payne, Deputy Managing Director at Sesame Workshop South Africa. "It helps them explore big feelings, build confidence, practise empathy and understand the world in ways that feel safe and joyful. When we protect time for play, we protect children's right to learn, connect, imagine and thrive."

For more information, visit www.cotlands.org. You can also follow Cotlands on LinkedIn, X, or Instagram.

*Images courtesy of Facebook