As South Africans prepare to celebrate Mandela Day, two organisations are joining forces to ensure that more young children have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive through the power of play.
The DO MORE FOUNDATION and Kids Collab have launched the 67 Minutes of Play campaign, an initiative that will provide outdoor play resources and training to 675 under-resourced early childhood development (ECD) centres across the country.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of outdoor play in early childhood development while creating lasting opportunities for children to be active, explore and build essential life skills.
Bringing the Joy of Outdoor Play to Young Children
Each participating ECD centre will receive a Move & Play kit containing practical outdoor play equipment, including colourful cones, balls, beanbags, chalk and a parachute.
Designed to support group activities for up to 50 children, the kits will be accompanied by printed resource guides, in-person practitioner training and ongoing support to help educators confidently incorporate play into everyday learning.
From August, children attending participating centres will have access to engaging outdoor play experiences as part of their daily routine rather than only on special occasions.
Why Play Matters
Research continues to highlight play as one of the most effective ways for young children to develop physically, emotionally, socially and cognitively.
Jessica Ronaasen, Advocacy and Innovation Manager at the DO MORE FOUNDATION, says play is recognised internationally and nationally as a fundamental part of childhood.
“Research consistently shows that children learn most effectively through play, building both knowledge and the skills they need in their everyday world. Play is a defining part of childhood and is recognised in both the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and South Africa’s National Integrated ECD Policy.”
The campaign is inspired by Kids Collab’s Play Parks programme, which uses structured movement activities and games to develop the foundational skills children need for lifelong learning, health and wellbeing.
Whitney Richardson, Director of Kids Collab, says play should never be viewed as separate from education.
“Too often, play is viewed as a break from learning or a reward once the ‘real work’ is done. But for young children, play is learning. It is one of the primary ways they make sense of the world, develop relationships, solve problems, and build the foundations for future learning and wellbeing.”
Training Makes the Difference
The campaign goes beyond simply providing equipment.
ECD practitioners will receive training on how to use the Move & Play kits effectively, helping them incorporate purposeful play into daily teaching activities.
According to Dipo Mhlongo, National Programmes Trainer at the DO MORE FOUNDATION, understanding how to use each resource intentionally is key to maximising children’s development.
“ECD practitioners need to understand the purpose of each resource, how to use it appropriately, and how to integrate it into daily teaching activities. During training, we demonstrate learning outcomes for practitioners through fun because even adults learn through play.”
The initiative forms part of the DO MORE FOUNDATION’s Everyone Gets to Play collective impact model, which brings together donors, practitioners, parents and community partners to improve outcomes for young children.
A Collective Effort for South Africa’s Future
The organisations believe meaningful partnerships are essential to ensuring more children have access to quality early learning opportunities.
By combining practical resources with training and ongoing support, the campaign aims to create sustainable change that extends beyond Mandela Day.
When children have the space, tools and encouragement to move, explore and discover, they develop the confidence, resilience and foundational skills needed for future success.
How You Can Help
Members of the public who would like to support the 67 Minutes of Play Mandela Day campaign can make a contribution through the campaign’s donation platform.
For more stories on education, community initiatives and Mandela Day projects, keep following 041Online.
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