The United Nations Children’s Fund recognises that play is crucial to a child’s development and is part of their physical, emotional and cognitive growth.
UNICEF Kano Field Director Rahama Farah made the remarks on Tuesday at an event marking the inaugural International Day of Play (IDOP).
The event was held at Kwari Special Primary School, Kano State in collaboration with the State General Basic Education Board.
Farah said this is the first time that the United Nations is celebrating the day around the world to recognise children’s right to play as enshrined in the International Convention on the Rights of the Child.
He explained, “Play is very important because it helps shape a child’s future.”
“Parents, community leaders and governments need to recognise and appreciate this day because we all know that play is part of a child’s physical, emotional and cognitive development.”
“We have come to realise that play is not a waste of time, but actually helps children grow, be happy, creative and develop their ability to become better people in the future.
“Education, work, participation as a part of society – all these elements are important for a child’s development,” he stressed.
Kano State Commissioner for Education, Umar Doguwa, who spoke on behalf of the NGO’s Deputy Director, Yusuf Sani, expressed gratitude to UNICEF for its support and collaboration in improving learning in schools in the state.
Expressing her delight at the event, the school’s principal, Hassana Aminu, commented, “When you teach children through play, they understand anything you teach them more quickly.”
“This is a welcome development because play makes children happy and interested in what they are being taught.”
Aminu, therefore, reiterated the state government’s commitment to providing quality education to the children.
Some of the children who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria expressed delight at the maiden IDOP and thanked the state government and UNICEF for organising the event.
(naan)