All children have a right to play safely

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is not yet fully understood yet. It also affects the work of We Play. Currently our partner organization in Sierra Leone, Playground Foundation, is not able to finish the construction of the Regent playground due to measures taken by the government to contain the spread of the virus. We wish our partners and all involved in the playground in Sierra Leone to remain safe and healthy.

There are almost no playgrounds in Africa, especially in the fast-growing cities, and children have almost no place to play safely. Busy traffic, construction works and urban pollution create a high-risk environment for vulnerable groups such as children.

We Play supports the construction of playgrounds in the West African country of Sierra Leone. Thanks to the efforts of We Play’s local partner, Playground Foundation, a portion of land has been obtained in Regent, just outside the capital of Freetown. The construction of the playground has started with local support in the form of small contributions, free materials and volunteers.

The existence of such a safe and accessible playground in Sierra Leone is unique. In addition to playground equipment, there will also be a soccer field, a botanical garden and a library. Playground Foundation and the Regent community will manage and maintain the playground.

We Play is a non-profit organization that aims to support local initiatives for the development and construction of safe play areas in Africa and elsewhere in the world. In our view, every child deserves a place to play safely and enjoy their childhood.

So far, most of the work has been done by our partner organization in Sierra Leone. However, this is not yet enough. We Play is committed to help finishing the construction of the playground this year. Support is very welcome. Contributions are used for the further construction and designing the playground, and the construction of the library, as well as the training of the playground caretakers and the librarian. Donations can be transferred to NL77TRIO0338602372.

Playing outside in Africa? It shouldn’t be a problem, you may think. Children can play everywhere. Or not? Playgrounds are anything but self-evident. In Africa there are hardly any safe play areas. Rapid urbanization in many parts of the continent poses many risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as children living in poorer areas, because of the dangerous traffic, bustle, pollution and other hazards.

Currently We Play gives its support to the construction of a playground in the West African country Sierra Leone. Thanks to the efforts of We Play’s local partner, Playground Foundation, land already has been acquired in Regent, just outside the capital, Freetown. With small donations, free of charge materials and help from volunteers the design and construction of the playground has started as well. The playground will be first in its kind in Sierra Leone, and will include play equipment, a soccer field, a garden and a library. The playground will be maintained by the Regent community and Playground Foundation.

We Play supports the realization of the playground’s library. We have already sent 160 English-language children books and are now looking for donations to finish the construction of the library building. If you would like to support us, you can make a donation. It will be much appreciated by the children of Regent and our Sierra Leonean partners. Please send your donation to: NL77TRIO0338602372.

The location of the future playground at Regent, Sierra Leone