SASKO, a brand committed to empowering communities and positively impacting five million South African children through positive play, visited the Little Paddington Early Childhood Development Centre in Morningside, KwaZulu Natal, to celebrate World Play Day.
World Play Day celebrates children’s right to play, involving exploration and language experimentation and promoting physical, mental, and social health. Psychology has shown that young children naturally express themselves through positive play.
As part of SASKO’s commitment through the SASKO Siyasizana Campaign, aimed at making sure that children at the ECD and primary school levels have access to better quality play and positive play, the brand decided to celebrate this day with children, parents, and media in KwaZulu Natal.
The event focused on creating a fun and interactive experience with the children engaging in various playful activities that promote learning, social interaction, and creativity.
Parents and teachers also had the opportunity to engage with and ask questions of Sibusiso Ntshangase, an educational psychologist who shared how “play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, agility, reasoning skills, and emotional strength.” Positive play assists kids with their cognitive development. Through self-directed imaginative play, children forge a sense of mastery, conquer personal fears, and rehearse for future social roles.
Sibusiso also shared the most effective and fun ways to foster positive play in children.
Physical Play
Social Play
Constructive Play
Games with Rules
Sandira Naidoo, principal at Little Paddington Daycare, had this to say: “I am thrilled that SASKO chose our daycare centre to celebrate World Play Day as part of the Siyasizana Play Better Campaign. Play is such an integral part of childhood development, and we are committed to providing our children with the best possible opportunities to gain experience and grow through play. This event has not only brought joy to our children but has also highlighted the importance of play in early childhood education. We are grateful for the support and recognition from SASKO, and we look forward to continuing to promote play-based learning in our centre.”
“Visiting Little Paddington Daycare was a heartwarming reminder of the transformative power of play. As we celebrated World Play Day under the SASKO Siyasizana Play Better Campaign, we witnessed joy, creativity, and growth blooming in every child’s smile. In nurturing their imagination and curiosity, we sow the seeds for a brighter, more compassionate future. Together, let’s continue to play, learn, and uplift communities, one playful moment at a time.” Nomawethu Ngadlela, Marketing Manager at SASKO.
