Play is a primordial feature of a child’s life…
Not only is it recognised as a human right, but is also a universal phenomenon common to children all over the world. Play not only allows a child to develop, to learn to live in society and to build self-confidence, it also allows them to develop their language, thought, planning, organisational and decision-making skills. It also relieves stress and potential psychological problems that a young child is not yet equipped to manage. It is a means of escape from life’s problems and improves a child’s quality of life. This is why Humanium wanted to fund the renovation of a playground in the Palestinian refugee camp at Deheishe.
But by playing games, we also have an opportunity to “save the world.”
We have already mentioned a game where children are encouraged to work together to solve problems in an imaginary world similar to those encountered in the real world. But there are also games that give you the opportunity to get directly involved with problem-solving at a local or global level, such as:
World Without Oil, created in 2007, allows you to simulate your life in a world without petrol. A study has shown that participants frequently adopt a more considered approach to petrol consumption after having played the game. Likewise, Superstruck allows you to be part of a dream team responsible for solving fictitious but weighty problems in a scenario where humanity has only 23 years left to live ̶- a reality check if ever there was one. But more than this, it can elicit innovative solutions to very real problems. In the same vein, by taking part in another game called Evoke, you can even receive a certificate from the World Bank because the solutions put forward have been studied by leading economists. Accompanied by an illustrated online book, Evoke uses a lighthearted approach to address themes such as hygiene and the environment.
Without exaggeration, playing games offers everyone the chance to learn about and ponder solutions to the world’s great problems. Why not give them a try?
For more information:
http://www.ted.com/talks/jane_mcgonigal_gaming_can_make_a_better_world (TED Conference)
http://www.iftf.org/home/ (Institute for the Future, IFTF)
http://www.unicef.org/french/ffl/03/3.htm (Play and Development)
http://www.enfant-encyclopedie.com/pages/PDF/jeu.pdf (Full report – Play and Development)
Written by : Manon Moreno Translated by: Joanne Leitch Proofread : Valeriya Yermishova |
