—Minister Persaud urges parents to reduce screen time, create more opportunities for children to learn, grow and build resilience through play
HUNDREDS of children, parents, teachers and community members gathered at the Imam Bacchus Play Park and Library in Affiance on Friday to celebrate International Day of Play 2026 under the theme, “Protect Play, Protect Childhood.”
The event, organised by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security through the Childcare and Protection Agency’s (CPA) Early Childhood Development Services Unit, highlighted the importance of play in the healthy growth and development of children.
Delivering the feature address, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, emphasised that play is not merely recreation but a fundamental right of every child.
She urged parents and caregivers to provide children with safe opportunities to play, noting that play should be purposeful, meaningful, inclusive and impactful. The minister also stressed the importance of teaching children kindness, acceptance and inclusion, particularly towards children with special needs.
“Play is synonymous with childhood,” Dr Persaud told the gathering.
“When children play, they learn important life skills, build friendships, develop confidence and strengthen their ability to overcome challenges. Success often comes after multiple failures, and play helps children build resilience.”
She also encouraged parents to carefully monitor screen time and create more opportunities for children to engage in outdoor activities, interact with others and express themselves creatively.
The minister highlighted the government’s commitment to creating safe recreational spaces across the country, noting that First Lady Arya Ali has been instrumental in establishing several family-friendly recreational facilities, including a number of facilities in Region Two.
Director of Children’s Services, Levine Gouveia, welcomed attendees and underscored the significance of the observance.
She explained that play is essential for children’s cognitive, social, emotional and physical development.
“Through play, children learn about themselves and the world around them. They develop critical thinking skills, creativity, communication abilities and social competence,” Gouveia said.
She noted that modern-day challenges such as increased screen time, academic pressures and limited outdoor activities have reduced opportunities for free and creative play.
As a result, she said parents, teachers, caregivers and communities must work together to create safe and stimulating environments where children can learn and thrive through play.
Gouveia also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen parenting programmes that promote healthy attachment and play-based learning while ensuring access to safe and inclusive recreational spaces such as the Imam Bacchus Play Park and other facilities along the Essequibo Coast.
Special remarks were delivered by representatives of the Government of Canada and UNICEF Guyana.
UNICEF Education Specialist, Fiona Persaud, emphasised that play is integral to a child’s development and is protected under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
“Play is not something children should have to earn after learning. It is one of the ways children learn best through creativity, exploration and imagination,” she said.
Persaud explained that play forms the foundation for lifelong learning, health and well-being. However, she warned that opportunities for free, safe and unstructured play are shrinking in many communities.
She encouraged parents to engage children in meaningful conversations during everyday activities, noting that these interactions help nurture development and strengthen family bonds.
UNICEF also expressed appreciation to the Government of Canada for its support through the Promoting Safe and Healthy Living and Learning Environments Project.
Throughout the day, children participated in a wide range of interactive activities, including creative arts, trivia competitions, board games, pretend play, songs, dances and various indoor and outdoor games.
The activity zones provided opportunities for children to socialise, build confidence, develop teamwork and express their creativity.
Children also entertained the audience with a variety of cultural performances.
Avni Persaud of Bacchus Pre-School delighted patrons with a dance presentation, while Keanu Alleyne and Mariya Ramnarine of Young Scholars Academy captivated the audience with a musical performance.
Students of the Anna Regina Special Needs School also earned enthusiastic applause for their vibrant dance item, while Athena Browne of Lotus Pre-School delivered a dramatic poetry presentation.
Among those attending were Region Two Chairman, Devin Mohan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Erica Forte and Concheeta Gray.
