The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has tasked all stakeholders of the need to recognize the fundamental right of children to play as a major necessity for growth.
This is as the world commemorates the maiden International Day of Play on Tuesday, signifying the duty to preserve, promote, and prioritize leisure so that all children can attain their full potential.
In Kano, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office, Rahama Rihood Mohammed, appealed to parents, community leaders, the government, and schools to embrace play as a child’s physical, cognitive, and emotional growth rather than a waste of time.
Mohammed, who made this plea while interacting with the pupils of Kwalli Special Primary School, Kano Municipal LGA, called for more investment in early child development.
He stressed that play should be at the center of policies and thinking, citing Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
According to him, “the government of course needs to invest resources into not just the education sector but specifically targeting early child development and the right of children to play.”
Commending the state government for boldly declaring a state of emergency in the education sector, the UNICEF Chief reiterated the support of UNICEF towards education in the Pyramid City.
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He further announced the donation of key play materials to the Early Child Development (ECD) class of Kwalli Special Primary School.
On his part, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Umar Haruna Doguwa, represented by Ysuf Sani Madaki, Deputy Director, NGOs Ministry of Education, appreciated UNICEF for the kind gesture.
The head teacher of the school, Hasana Umar Aminu, noted that play has made teaching and learning more effective, as children develop a greater interest in education through playful activities.