Message - Play Day Jamaica

If you're familiar with dandy shandy, bat up and ketch, “skimage” football, chiney skip, or hopscotch, it likely means that you had the privilege of play as a child growing up in Jamaica. If not these, maybe you can recall building blocks, play dough or even hoola hoops. In any case, play was not only something enjoyed by many children but it was key to formative and adolescent years. This remains true.

Play is a right and not a luxury. In fact, play deprivation has proven to have long-term effects such as social isolation, addiction tendencies, depression, poor problem-solving skills and emotional imbalance. Recreation, structured and unstructured, is a premier child protection tactic that should be embraced and prolonged.

Play thrives where there is security and safety. Being aware of this, the Children First Agency (CFA) in partnership with UNICEF Jamaica and with support from the United States Embassy and British High Commission in Jamaica, was keen on incorporating this key element in our safeguarding efforts following Hurricane Melissa. The mental health and psychosocial programme (MHPSS) crafted for our Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS) are carried out practically, utilising structured and group play to include drawing, storytelling, and the use of props such as puppets. Also employed are UNICEF Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Recreation Kits comprising art and craft supplies, kids toys, balls, skipping ropes, sports gear, and board games.

Play Day Jamaica is a reminder that every child has a right to be a child and that includes the space to play, explore and express themselves freely. At CFA, we recognise that recreation is more than just fun, it's child protection in motion; it's safeguarding healthy development so that children can thrive, and safeguarding their futures. We encourage every caregiver, teacher and community leader to protect children's right to play.

Happy Play Day Jamaica! Let's protect play and protect our children.

Executive Director

Claudette Richardson-Pious