Play is one of the most transformative forces in a child’s life. It’s how children explore and understand the world around them. It’s how they articulate their hopes and dreams, learn to communicate and interact with others, express their emotions, and grow into adulthood.

But not all children have the chance to play.

Global research shows that 78% of children say adults do not always think playing is important, and 73% of children don’t believe adults take play seriously. Poverty, conflict, displacement, and discrimination further limit children’s ability to play. But play is one of the most effective ways children learn, cope with stress, and build skills to meet life’s challenges.   As children around the world struggle with learning loss and emotional distress, the need to protect their right to play is more urgent than ever.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PLAY

In March 2024, the United Nations declared a new International Day of Play, supported by 140 member states. Right To Play worked with civil society and corporate partners to lead the campaign for an International Day of Play, united in a grounding belief that play is a fundamental right and key to children’s learning and development, and that it needs to be on the agenda of governments and civil society actors as worthy of protection and investment.

International Day of Play happens annually on 11 June. It is a day for people of all ages to play together and celebrate the power play has to erase divisions, build trust and connection, and inspire curiosity and creativity.

Messages from Supporters

Ade Adepitan, Ambassador for Right To Play UK, said: “I’m very excited to celebrate International Day of Play! Play is a powerful force in children’s lives and is absolutely essential to their development and wellbeing. However, so many children around the world face extreme challenges and are deprived of this basic right. This annual day devoted to play helps to raise awareness about the massive benefits of play and ensure that no child is left out.

“I’m proud to be an Ambassador for Right To Play, who are working tirelessly to make sure vulnerable children globally can access play and enjoy a better future.”

Konnie Huq, Presenter and Writer, said: “Too many children across the world are forced to grow up far too quickly. Poverty, child labour and exploitation mean that many are robbed of their childhoods altogether. This is why it’s important to mark International Day of Play and show support for Right To Play’s life-changing work. By harnessing play, this fantastic charity is helping vulnerable children to build confidence, develop critical life skills and enjoy a better tomorrow.”

Tristan Phipps said: “Play is often ignored, but it is fundamental to children’s learning and happiness. It has transformative benefits that help children overcome barriers and thrive. That’s why, on International Day of Play, I’m supporting Right To Play’s vital work helping children in some of the world’s most difficult places to claim their right to play and unlock their potential. Every child – no matter where they live – must have the right to play.”

Amber Ogunsanya-William, Play Consultant, Worker and Advocate, said: "Play is transformative! Growing up in an adventure playground, I experienced firsthand how play shapes lives, it’s where I discovered creativity, resilience, and the power of imagination. Play isn’t just about having fun; it’s about learning, connecting, and growing. It’s where friendships are built, confidence is gained, and the world feels full of possibilities. My childhood in an adventure playground shaped who I am today, and it's why I stand for the right to play for everyone! On this International Play Day, let's celebrate the freedom to explore, create, and dream, because play changes lives. Let’s champion play and build a future where everyone has the chance to experience its magic!"

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THE POWER OF PLAY

For 25 years, Right To Play has been a global leader in protecting, educating, and empowering children to rise above adversity through the power of play.

We reach millions of children each year in some of the most difficult places on earth, helping them to stay in school and graduate, resist exploitation, overcome prejudice, heal from trauma, and develop the skills they need to thrive. We do this by harnessing play, one of the most fundamental forces in a child's life, to teach children the critical skills they need to dismantle barriers and embrace opportunities, in learning and in life.

ENRICHING LEARNING THROUGH PLAY

Children learn through play. When learning at school is joyful, meaningful, and engaging, children better retain knowledge, stay focused, and stay motivated to keep learning – both inside and outside the classroom.

Bernard, a Right To Play-trained teacher in Burundi, uses play to engage his students as active participants in the learning process, which supports their academic skills development.

"When I teach, I use games, and those games help children to be more focused and follow along in class,” he says. “The subject matter becomes easier for them to understand.”

It’s easier to learn new things when the process is fun! Watch how students play their way through a math lesson led by their teacher, Bernard.

PROMOTING WELL-BEING THROUGH PLAY

Play promotes feelings of well-being that ease stress, fear, and anxiety. In times of crisis, play helps children find a sense of normalcy and a path to recovery from grief and trauma.

International Day of Education 2024 - Ethiopia - Hayat - Web Image

When conflict in Ethiopia made its way into her community, Hayat was forced to abandon her home. After a harrowing journey that brought her to a refugee settlement, Hayat enrolled at the local school, where her Right To Play-trained teacher led play-based lessons that helped her catch up on learning, make friends, and process the trauma she experienced.

“I am happy when we play games; it relaxes me and helps me concentrate on my studies.” − Hayat, Grade 4 student, Ethiopia

NURTURING ESSENTIAL SKILLS THROUGH PLAY

Play is one of the best ways children learn to get along with and understand others. Communicating, solving problems, and regulating emotions come up naturally during play, equipping children to build strong relationships, manage stress, and channel their resilience to face a complex world.

In this 360-degree video from Rwanda, students and their teacher, Jean, demonstrate a game that reinforces communication and problem-solving skills.

Pledge To Play

There are so many reasons to celebrate play. But too many children don’t experience the joy and opportunity it brings. International Day of Play creates a unifying moment at the global, national, and local level to elevate the importance of play as central to children’s learning and well-being. Contribute to the movement by helping us raise awareness for play on 11 June.