Children|NGO's|Pedagogical support
The right to play during childhood is much more than just fun, it’s a powerful tool for physical, emotional, social and cognitive development. Yet, even today, many children are deprived of this fundamental right. Ensuring that all children can play freely, safely and with dignity is a commitment that must unite families, governments and social organizations.
The right to leisure and play is guaranteed in the 1988 Federal Constitution, in the Statute of the Child and Adolescent (ECA) and in international agreements such as the UN Universal Declaration of the Rights of the Child. All these laws recognize play as an essential part of childhood, as important as access to health and education.
But in practice, this right is still often neglected.
Several studies show that children who play regularly:
– Develop better motor coordination, creativity and logical reasoning.
– Have an easier time dealing with emotions and relating to other people.
– They have lower rates of anxiety, depression and behavioral problems.
– They learn to work in groups, respect rules and resolve conflicts in a healthy way.
In addition, according to the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, free play is a protective factor against sedentary lifestyles and chronic diseases such as childhood obesity.
Despite all the benefits, play faces obstacles, especially in the most vulnerable areas. Among the main barriers are
– Lack of adequate and safe public spaces for leisure.
– Urban violence, which limits children’s movement.
– Broken or poorly maintained toys, which pose risks.
– Lack of accessibility for children with disabilities.
– Too many screens and digital devices, which keep children away from socializing and physical activity.
At the Ramacrisna Institute, play is taken seriously. Through the Ramacrisna Educational Support Center (CAER), the institution offers play activities and workshops that stimulate the development of socially vulnerable children in a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.
And to further strengthen this mission, this month the Institute completed the complete renovation of its wooden playground, which is a real symbol of joy for the community. The space, which is open not only to students but also to all families in the area, has been given new, colorful and safe toys, as well as a synthetic lawn that guarantees more comfort and accessibility for the children.
With this, Ramacrisna reaffirms its commitment to preserving the right to play, offering an environment that encourages social interaction, movement and the freedom to be a child.
To play is to learn, to grow, to express oneself. It’s living childhood to the full. When we deny a child this right, we are compromising their future and ours as a society.
That’s why actions like those of the Ramacrisna Institute show that it is possible to transform realities. But we have to act together. Governments must invest in public policies that prioritize children’s leisure. Families need to value play as part of education. And we can all contribute to initiatives that increase access to this basic right.
You too can help preserve the right to play and transform the lives of hundreds of children. Help us promote this right for more children. Get in touch and find out how you can help.
