United Nations Children Fund has identified play as crucial to child’s development, and part of physical, emotional and cognitive growth.
The Chief, UNICEF Kano Field Office, Mr Rahama Farah, said this on Tuesday at an event to commemorate the maiden edition of the International Day of Play (IDOP).
The event was held at the Kwalli Special Primary School in Kano, organised in collaboration with the State Universal Basic Education Board.
Farah said this is the first time United Nations is celebrating the day around the world to recognise the rights of the child to play as enshrined in the international convention of the rights of a child.
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He explained that “play is very important as it helps in shaping the future of children.
“Parents, community leaders and governments need to recognise and appreciate this day because we all know that play is part of children’s physical, emotional and cognitive growth.
“We have come to recognise that play is not a waste of time but actually develops the child’s ability to grow and be happy, creative and be good person in future.
“Whether it is for education, work, part of the society and participation – all of these elements are important to the development of a child,” he emphasised.
The Kano State Commissioner for Education, Umar Doguwa, who was represented by the Deputy Director of NGOs, Yusuf Sani, thanked UNICEF for the support and collaboration to enhance learning in Kano schools.
In a remark, Headmistress of the school, Mrs Hassana Aminu, who expressed happiness over the event, said that “a child understands whatever you are teaching him/her faster when it is done playfully.
“This is a welcome development because play makes a child happy and interested in whatever he or she is being taught.”
Aminu, therefore, restated the state government’s commitment to provide quality education to children.
Some of the children who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria expressed delight over the maiden edition of IDOP and thanked the state government and UNICEF for organising the event.
(NAN)
