For children everywhere, play is not a pastime; it's a fundamental aspect of childhood development, essential for physical, cognitive, and emotional growth. It's the language of innocence, laughter that knows no bounds, and creativity that knows no limits. However, for orphaned children living in war-torn regions like Gaza, the simple act of play becomes a luxury they're often denied.
The Importance of Play
Play is more than just fun and games. It is a vital component of a child's development. Through play, children learn essential life skills, such as problem-solving, social interaction, and creativity. It expands imagination, resilience, and emotional well-being, laying the groundwork for future success and happiness. Studies done by the American Academy of Pediatrics indicate that play experiences in early childhood contribute to the development of neural connections in the brain, laying the foundation for learning, problem-solving, and creativity later in life.
Active play promotes physical health and reduces the risk of obesity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), regular physical activity during childhood helps prevent chronic diseases and supports healthy growth and development.
Play also serves as a natural stress reliever for children, providing them with an outlet for releasing pent-up energy and emotions. According to the American Psychological Association, play promotes emotional resilience and helps children cope with stress and anxiety.
The Disparities Faced by Orphaned Children
In war-torn regions, orphans are the most vulnerable victims. The ability to play is replaced with the need to survive, leaving behind a generation scarred by trauma and loss. This also holds true for many orphans living through poverty, famine, and natural disasters, all of these children must find a way to overcome their circumstances.
Day-to-day routines do not involve playgrounds and imaginative play, but rather scavenging for food, working for money, or seeking shelter and safety from their external environment. All things children are not meant to do. Millions of orphaned children, separated from their families, are left to navigate a world filled with uncertainty and fear.
LIFE's Global Orphan Eid Parties
At the end of April 2024, LIFE gave thousands of orphaned children worldwide the chance to play and enjoy being a child at the Global Orphan Eid Parties Held in 22 countries. These events provide orphaned children with a much-needed respite from their harsh realities. Filled with fun activities, delicious food, and gifts, these events served as a reminder to the children that there is still room for play, dreams, and healing.
“We believe that every child, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the chance to play and experience joy," says Dr. Hany Saqr, CEO of LIFE.
Making a Difference, One Child at a Time
LIFE's commitment to supporting orphaned children goes beyond hosting uplifting parties. Through initiatives like the Orphan Sponsorship program, LIFE provides essential support, such as food, water, shelter, education, and care to over 13,000 orphans worldwide. These efforts aim to meet the immediate needs of orphaned children and provide them with opportunities and hope for a better future.
The Transformative Combination of Play, Support and Care
LIFE's Global Orphan Eid Parties show the transformative power of play, as many children expressed their gratitude to LIFE’s donors for the events.
Sarah, an 8-year-old orphan in Yemen says, “Thank you to LIFE and its supporters, you have brought us so much joy, I cannot stop smiling. I am so happy thanks to you. Please come back next year.”
These parties are freeing, allowing every child a chance to be a child. In combination with our orphan sponsorship program, which provides orphaned kids with the essential support and care they require, LIFE is giving these orphans their childhood back.
When we take collective responsibility for the orphaned children, we will see that trauma and the pain they have experienced unravel and heal. For darkness can’t exist in the light of day. As we grow, we will reap the benefits of a generation that can give back to our global community in new and exciting ways. Children are the future, so we must take care of them.
Consider Sponsoring an orphan today or giving an orphan an Eid gift.
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. "The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds." Pediatrics, vol. 119, no. 1, 2007, pp. 182-191.
World Health Organization. "Physical Activity and Young People." WHO, www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/factsheet_young_people/en/.
American Educational Research Association. "Playful Learning Promotes 21st-Century Skills." AERA, www.aera.net/Newsroom/News-Releases-and-Statements/Press-Releases/Playful-Learning-Promotes-21st-Century-Skills.
American Psychological Association. "The Power of Play." APA, www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2018/02/power-of-play.
Journal of Early Childhood Research. "The Influence of Pretend Play on Children’s Creativity and Imagination." SAGE Journals, journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1476718X14513486.
American Psychological Association. "The Power of Play." APA, www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2018/02/power-of-play.
