Play – a powerful tool for children's development.

On May 30th, to celebrate the power of play, the first International Day of Play in Vietnam was held at the One United Nations Green House in Hanoi .

Vui chơi - công cụ mạnh mẽ cho sự phát triển của trẻ em

The first International Day of Play in Vietnam was celebrated at the One United Nations Green House in Hanoi. (Photo: Tuan Viet)

The celebration of International Play Day aims to implement the United Nations General Assembly Resolution recognizing June 11th as International Play Day, adopted on March 25th, 2024, at the initiative of Vietnam and co-sponsored by 138 countries.

Attending the ceremony were Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet, representatives from ministries, government agencies, the UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, heads of UN organizations in Hanoi, the Chief Operating Officer of Lego Group, representatives from the embassies of several countries that co-authored the Resolution on International Play Day, and children participating in the drawing competition organized by UNICEF.

At the ceremony, Deputy Minister Do Hung Viet affirmed the important role of play, especially for the health, happiness, and development of children. Play is how children learn, explore , and develop their creativity and imagination; it helps build relationships between family members, and between individuals and society.

Khuyến khích trẻ được tự do vui chơi, giải trí

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet affirmed the important role of play, especially for the health, happiness, and development of children. (Photo: Tuan Viet)

Deputy Minister Do Hung Viet emphasized the need to ensure that all children, from cities to rural areas and remote regions, have access to playgrounds, toys, music, sports facilities, and a safe and comprehensive play environment. On this occasion, the Deputy Minister called on United Nations organizations and the private sector to support Vietnam in addressing the shortage of games, recreational activities, and resources for children.

Ms. Leslie Miller, Acting UNICEF Representative in Vietnam, affirmed that play is one of the most powerful tools for children's development, helping to shape their future, enhance their health, and develop their skills. She expressed gratitude to the Vietnamese Government for initiating and promoting the Resolution on the International Day of Play. She emphasized the need to promote learning through play, provide safe and inclusive play spaces for children, ensure access to play materials and equipment, and equip parents with the necessary skills to participate in play with their children…

Ms. Leslie Miller, Acting UNICEF Representative in Vietnam, speaks at the ceremony. (Photo: Tuan Viet)

Mr. Carsten Rasmussen, Chief Operating Officer of LEGO Group, emphasized that play can change lives, strengthen family bonds, and help children develop skills and reach their full potential. Therefore, the United Nations' adoption of the International Day of Play and its widespread support from many countries is of great significance. Mr. Carsten expressed his gratitude to the Vietnamese Government for promoting this Resolution and looked forward to continuing close cooperation with the Vietnamese Government and UNICEF to support children's increased access to play and learning through play.

Carsten Rasmussen, Chief Operating Officer of LEGO Group, emphasized that play can change lives. (Photo: Tuan Viet)

At the celebration, the children presented 31 selected paintings from over 8,000 submitted to UNICEF on the theme of "Dream Playgrounds." (Photo: Tuan Viet)

Ngo Tuan Loc, a 5th-grade student at Vinschool in Hanoi, shared his fun activities with the World & Vietnam Newspaper. (Photo: Tuan Viet)

Speaking to the World & Vietnam Newspaper, Ngo Tuan Loc couldn't hide his pride and joy at being chosen to represent Vietnamese children and give a presentation in English to international guests at the first International Day of Play celebration in Vietnam.

"This is the first time I've been to such a new place, it's a wonderful opportunity for me. When I return to school, I'll tell my friends so we can spread the word about this amazing experience. And I want to tell my peers to spend more time having fun, actively participate in extracurricular activities like painting, workshops, tug-of-war... to balance play and schoolwork," said Ngo Tuan Loc.

Besides outdoor playtime, during school lessons, Ngo Tuan Loc and his classmates are taught by their teachers who combine theoretical learning with traditional Vietnamese games, making the subjects more engaging for the students.

Le Thao Linh, a 9th-grade student at Hanoi Experimental School, and her painting of the schoolyard in this year's children's painting competition launched by UNICEF. (Photo: Tuan Viet)

Of the 31 paintings selected for display at today's event, Le Thao Linh was most impressed and proud of her painting of her Experimental School. With the theme of "an inclusive and environmentally friendly playground," the painting, created with bright colors, trees, and a football field, gave Linh a familiar and simple feeling. "For every generation of students, the schoolyard is always the dream playground for every Vietnamese child," Le Thao Linh said.

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