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Playing for Real – The Universal Language
Playing for Real – The Universal Language
Polish, African, Asian and Scottish Children have found something that brings them all together – playing traditional games.
Following last week’s launch by Glasgow Life of their Playing for Real strategy, which aims to create more opportunities for children to enjoy free play, Playbusters added its wholehearted support, stating that play projects had made a significant difference in some of Glasgow’s poorest communities.
North East Charity, Playbusters, are one step ahead when it comes to Childs Play. Through support from Inspiring Scotland Go Play they have been delivering ‘Free Play’ sessions in parks, schools, streets and backcourts throughout the East End and North of the City. From den building, tree climbing, peever, skipping ropes and dodge ball, children and families from all backgrounds and cultures are playing together. If ever there was a way to break down language barriers then this is it. In Cranhill where there is a wide cultural mix from African, Polish, Asian and Scottish backgrounds children are learning to play games from ‘past times’.
Play Ranger, Robert Doyle said “ The Playbusters team came into work in Strone Road with other workers from PEEK. At first the children and parents were unsure but now they just can’t get enough. Children from all ethnic backgrounds are learning to play together and have become friends. One day we were building a den and they all got involved by sharing ideas and the next week they had wanted to make a flag for the den. Free Play encourages their creativity, problem solving, risk taking and improves activity levels. The one thing we notice is that they have so much fun and that happiness shows through”
Project Manager of the Charity, Margaret Layden, fully supports the Playing for Real strategy launched yesterday by Glasgow Life. She said:
“This strategy is the result of the tremendous work carried out by Glasgow Life through talking to young people, families and play organisations. Children have a ‘right to play’ as laid down in article 31 of UNCRC. This report shows that 88% of young people said their favourite place to play is outdoors so we must make sure that our public spaces are safe and adequate.”
Playbusters have been working alongside the Neighbourhood Improvement Team at Glasgow City Council and have involved youngsters and families in cleaning up public areas to allow for play. They are also working alongside a number of housing associations to ‘reclaim the backcourts’. Most recently, they have been working with children in the backcourts of Saracen Street with North Glasgow Housing Association and the children will be helping to design the area to encourage more free play.
So – are you coming out to Play? If so, who do you want to call? – Playbusters!!