" Play and Study Rooms for Vulnerable Children"

Our project “Give hope to 350 Colombian children through PLAY” is FULLY FUNDED thanks to you; here are some of the last achievements within the past few months:

Quantitative Report:

Beneficiaries:

Number of direct and indirect beneficiaries: 810

Number of direct beneficiaries: 270

Gender: See "Tables and Figures"

Age: See "Tables and Figures"

 Assessment of social skills: See "Tables and Figures"

Qualitative report:

The sense of belonging on behalf of the children regarding the care for the space, toys and materials has increased significantly

There is an increased introjection of norms and values to be used in the playroom

The capacity of adaptation of the early childhood beneficiaries has been developed, understanding and incorporating different moments presented in the playroom (greeting, icebreaker activity, central activity, free play, role games and organization of toys and games).

The activities proposed are inclusive as they respond to the diversity of needs of all the children involved, taking into account changes and modifications in contents and strategies according to their ages and interests. The purpose is based on the principle that every child has unique characteristics, interests, abilities and learning needs which compromises us to develop differential educational programs adapted to their needs.

We are progressing in the construction of a proposal for the playroom based on centers of interest (music - technology - motor skills – literature - among others) that will qualify the phases of planning, formulation and evaluation of activities.

The acquisition of the computer classroom has allowed not only playing in child portals, but also small focused research, projection of videos and developing of cognitive skills. On the other hand it has strengthened their familiarization with information technologies from early childhood.

“Low self-esteem is painful, it is a kind of emotional poverty and, like material poverty, gives rise to needs” (Cigman 2004, pp.97). The risk factors faced by Colombian children on a daily basis produce negative effects on self-esteem; to be the victim of sexual abuse, child labour, mistreatment and displacement, among others, impoverishes the child emotionally by affecting the sense of worth. This is why enhancing self-esteem through play as a predictor of resilience for Colombian children becomes a vital priority facing the challenges of overcoming adversity.

Play provides the possibility to act away from the real world, which is known as “divergent thinking” (Kleiber, 1978). This is of great importance when considering resilience because through play, children can symbolize feelings that would be hard to represent by language, providing an opportunity to work on the solution of conflicts in a safe and pleasurable mode.

Once again, THANK YOU for giving happiness to our children through play, we wish you all the best for the 2014.

Sincerely,

Lina Pérez

• Tables and Figures (DOCX)