The Value of Childhood

Poverty can mean children going without the basics. In some countries, this can mean missing out on everyday fun and activities that other kids take for granted. This can mean that a child may have to care for younger siblings or work for their food instead of having time to play, explore, read, or enjoy the games and imagination of childhood.

Play has been shown to improve the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and young people alike. Through play, children learn about their world and themselves. They also learn skills they will need as they grow up, like:

• self-esteem

• resilience

• confidence

• social and coping skills

• independence

• curiosity

Likewise, play is important for children to develop physically:

• agility and stamina

• coordination and balance

• Overall physical fitness

  Our visits to schools and tutoring centers offer children a chance to be children. We incorporate fun games, hands-on activities, song time, skits, and a delicious snack. Children take home something they have made, a small gift of something fun and useful, and a lot of good memories of the fun time they had with the visiting foreigners.

  “I never thought about what hard lives these children lead growing up without the basics that we take for granted. The kids were so joyful, eager to please, and so happy to have a few afternoons just to be a kid. “ A.G. - 2017 mission trip to Nicaragua

  #thepowerofplay #growingyoungminds