To mark the International Day of Play, Global Fund for Children is shining a spotlight on some of our incredible partners who are transforming lives through the power of play.

Play is not just a pastime; it is a fundamental aspect of childhood that fosters physical, mental, social, and emotional wellbeing and even extends well-in to adulthood. As we celebrate the International Day of Play, guided by this year’s theme of “Play makes a better world,” we are highlighting the remarkable efforts of GFC partners in the Partnership to Educate All Kids (PEAK) initiative. These partners are tirelessly working to ensure that every child has the opportunity to play, learn, and grow. They are creating spaces where children can explore, dream, and develop the skills they need for future success.

The following organizations are just a few of the extraordinary GFC partners making a profound impact through the power of play.

Bloom Nepal integrates “passion-based learning” into government schools and into its own schools, creating a link between music, theater, sports, and education to make learning more enjoyable. Its schools in Itahari, in Koshi Province, and the Lalitpur District, in Bagmati Province, offer a mixed residential setting that accommodates day students, weekday boarders, and full-time boarders, providing access to an inspiring education for children from both near and far.

In Zambia, Na Tubelenge Children’s Library uses board games like chess, scrabble, and checkers to attract and engage children and cultivate a love for reading.

Pro Sport Development (PSD) employs sports as a powerful tool for the holistic development of Indigenous and non-Indigenous children and youth in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. Pro Sport Development aims to promote an inclusive, sustainable, and engaging sporting culture among youth, especially youth from marginalized communities.

With the motto “Play, learn, and grow together,” Peace for People (P4P) provides free, high-quality education for children in the Dhading District of Nepal’s Bagmati Province. The organization uses unique approaches such as a “global classroom” to connect students in different countries.Peace for People is working toward changing the conventional teaching/learning approach in Nepal through innovative teaching methodologies such as storytelling, music, and sports.

Instituto Mãe Lalu integrates play-based learning, such as traditional children’s songs and circle dances, into its educational programs, helping children and adolescents in Santiago do Iguape, in Bahia, Brazil, to not only develop their reading and writing skills but also understand and value their roots, their identity, and one of the community’s main sources of income – seafood.

In Nepal, Atoot uses soccer to empower girls and promote their holistic development in the Kapilvastu District. Through sports, the organization creates opportunities for girls to build their confidence, leadership skills, teamwork, and social skills.

On this International Day of Play, we celebrate the inspiring efforts of our partners that are making a tangible difference in the lives of children and youth across the globe. Through innovative and playful approaches, they are breaking down barriers and creating nurturing environments where young minds can flourish.

Their commitment to fostering joy, creativity, and resilience through play is not only transforming individual lives but also strengthening communities. We are proud to support these organizations as they continue to champion the right to play and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Join us in recognizing and supporting these remarkable partners as they lead the way toward a brighter, more playful future for all children.

Header photo: Pupils from St. Joseph’s High School at Jokalandi in Bhubaneswar, India warming up before a session. © Pro Sport Development.