World Play Day is organised by the International Toy Library Association.“In the midst of our food, housing and HIV/Aids crises we must not forget the simple importance or the right to play and its role in childhood development,” Jackie Schoeman, executive director of Cotlands  said. 

Schoeman said children can express themselves better through play, and their community caregivers can often gauge what support and assistance will benefit the child through watching them play

According to her the toy libraries are a safe environment where children can play freely with toys, under the supervision of a toy librarian. 

Thousands of children were exercising their right to play. 

This year Cotlands main focus was to create a fun-filled playing opportunity for children focusing on home-grown South African style games using improvised toys. Children were given the opportunity to make their own toys.

The public can also pledge their support to World Play Day by donating educational toys and other resources needed to make this day a success and a fun learning experience for the children.  Visit the Cotlands website www.cotlands.co.za or like them on Facebook.

– priyar@citizen.co.za