Celebrating Childhood: UNICEF Chhattisgarh Marks International Day of Play

RAIPUR, CHHATTISGARH, June 11, 2024 - UNICEF Chhattisgarh is celebrating the first International Day of Play, declared by the United Nations, today with government, communities and parents. This global event emphasizes the importance of play in the holistic development of children.

“Play is not just about fun and games,” says Chhaya Kuwar, Education Specialist in UNICEF Chhattisgarh. “It’s a fundamental right of every child. It contributes to their cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being. Play creates powerful learning opportunities – intellectual, social, emotional and physical. Through play, children make connections with others, build leadership skills, develop resilience, navigate challenges and conquer their fears.”

UNICEF Chhattisgarh has organized a series of activities across selected districts in the state to mark this day. Volunteers and parents will engage children in traditional and other games, promoting the importance of play. Schools, AWC, and public parks will become hubs of laughter and enjoyment, with children participating in various games and creative activities.

In collaboration with the Women and Child Development Department of Chhattisgarh, UNICEF is conducting sessions on the importance of play at Anganwadi centres under the “Parwarishke Champions (Nurturing Champions) program, run with the support of UNICEF.

To further enhance the contribution of play in the mental and physical development of children, a playground will be inaugurated in Dantewada district, which will be accessible to every child in the community.

“Play fosters creativity, flexibility, innovation, and leadership in children’s lives. When children play, they move towards self-reliance. With these objectives, let’s celebrate the International Day of Play on June 11 by engaging in a play activity with children in our schools, homes, and neighbourhoods, and support their physical and mental development,” adds Abhishek Singh, social and behaviour change specialist, UNICEF office of Chhattisgarh.

All community radio stations of Chhattisgarh are part of this campaign today and engaging with community on parenting and importance of play, said Sangya Tandon, of Aarpa Community radio, Bilaspur.

To learn more of UNICEF global action on International Day of Play please visit the following linkhttps://www.unicef.org/parenting/day-of-play#cta.