Inspiring Children to Participate Through Inclusive Play Spaces – Handicap International

In Peshawar, neither boys nor girls get a chance to play outdoors. This is primarily because of lack of play spaces.  During the Child Photo Project baseline, discussions revealed that most children cannot access playgrounds as they are too far away from their homes,  and that playing in the street is limited for boys, whereas girls can only play at home.

Both boys and girls reported that they had limited time to play because of schoolwork and  long distance of the playground from their home. They further shared that children with  disabilities cannot access the playground. Those who are visually impaired have a high  chance to fall and sustain injuries, and those who are wheelchair bound cannot enter the playground because the entrance is too narrow.

Considering the findings from the discussions with children during the Child Photo Project  and community consultations, it was analyzed that children in the targeted communities don’t have playgrounds close to their homes and play spaces are not accessible for children with disabilities. Therefore, an idea of inclusive playground was presented to fulfil the gap.

Learning through play and child participation are the key pillars of the Growing Together project. A suitable site was identified,  which was accessible and safe.  The vacant plots in the village premises were not easily available. Community’s willingness to convert them into  12 playgrounds was another consideration.

Finally, in Jalozai, the plot adjacent to Rashid Shaheed Foundation school was offered for the pilot playground, which  was further assessed for child protection and accessibility  point of view. Detailed consultations with children and community members were held for the design, and an international consultant was engaged to build a design based on children’s feedback. The consultant also led the construction of the ground along with the local vendor and built the capacity of the local vendors on accessibility and inclusive standards.

Different events including sports were held in the playground to raise awareness and sensitize communities on inclusive spaces. Similarly, school children were very happy to have a space for  just play and fun and to enjoy their breaks. At times, the teacher brings classes out in the  playground for some activity-based learning which further motivates children further helps  more children to attend school.  A local school teacher shared  that’ “this playground helped us  to retain our students and  attendance become regular. Children wait for their turn to  play in the ground, moreover, it  is also helpful for teachers to  create interest in students  through activity-based learning”.

The playground is usually very busy, where children from  adjacent areas visit and play.  Community members, especially mothers are happy, because they have a place where they can spend some time with their kids. Families are more supportive of children playing outside; mothers also enjoy the swings along with their children and feel relaxed.

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