Children’s House celebrates establishment of first natural playground |12 April 2023
Pupils from the Children’s House at Bel Air recently opened their school to sponsors, partners and officials to share their journey and the part they played in the establishment of the first natural playground at the school.
When children are engaged in open ended play opportunities in nature, digging in soil and sand, playing and exploring with water, building dens, natural constructions, growing plants and trees, learning opportunities arise each and every moment. Not only this, but the deep connection with nature that children are born with is nurtured and fostered, leading them towards becoming the future stewards of our amazing natural world, in our case here on the islands, Seychelles gold.
Principal secretary for Education, Merna Eutentin, officially cut the ribbon down into the playground, with chairperson of the Children’s Special Fund, Patricia Padayachy and the Minister for Local Government & Community Affairs, Rosemary Houareau, after reiterating the importance playing in nature is for the optimal development of children.
The event was also attended by the elected member of the National Assembly for Bel Air, Norbert Loizeau, and the principal secretary for Energy & Climate Change, Tony Imaduwa.
Head teacher Lucy Barois explained how the children had already learned so much through the development of this beautiful natural space by planting trees donated by the Biodiversity Centre. The children were involved in initial planning processes as well as watering and tending to fruit trees planted with their mothers on Mother’s Day. They have also enjoyed building camp fires, pulling weeds and battling against the invasive creepers.
Generous sponsor MCB represented by managing director Bernard Jackson explained how the community project came about, partnering Perseverance primary school and the Children’s House, as Lucy Barois designed both play spaces.
The Natural Playground will ultimately be a community project, involving other partners within the vicinity – Bel Eau school and regional daycare – enabling more children to benefit.
Sincere thanks also goes to Bel Air district administrator Christophe Madeleine for his great support and involvement.
The Children’s House pupils are looking forward to using the space in the new school term starting in May as the grass has just been planted and will take time to spread. Looking forward to lots of future learning here!
The accompanying photos show highlights of the opening of the Natural Playground.
Contributed
