Play Changes Everything. Sign our open letter

Show children everywhere you support them.

On June 11, the world will celebrate International Day of Play, a United Nations recognized day that champions every child’s right to play.

This year feels different. The stakes are higher. International development is losing critical funding, and children around the world need us more than ever.

In response, Right To Play is inviting people everywhere to turn the International Day of Play into a powerful global moment of giving. Together, we can raise urgently needed funds to support our play-based programs in 13 countries—programs that help children learn, heal, and thrive, even in the most difficult circumstances.

But before we do that, we need your help.

Play is a critical part of childhood. But around the world, millions of children are missing out. For 25 years, Right To Play has been a champion of the power of play to protect, educate, and empower children. This year, we’re asking you to join us.

Sign the open letter

Sign our open letter to the children of the world and pledge to protect their right to play. By adding your name, you’re sending a message that children everywhere deserve safety, joy, and the chance to grow up with hope.

Dear children of the world,

You deserve to feel safe. To live in peace. To learn. To have the opportunity to grow up to be whoever you want to be. You deserve to have a joyful and happy childhood.

But for too many of you, all this is out of reach.  Too many of you are surrounded by war. Too many of you have been forced to leave your home, your friends, and all you’ve ever known behind. Too many of you are working jobs or caring for others when you should be learning, laughing, and playing.

Children today are playing less at home than previous generations. According to UNICEF, one in five children do not engage in play with their caregivers at home. At the same time, just one in four children now play regularly on their outdoors and in their communities — a sharp decline from their grandparents’ generation, where nearly three-quarters did so several times a week

I believe that every child should have the chance to play, no matter their circumstance. Because play is so much more than just a pastime. When we invest in play, we support children’s brain development and learning, foster their curiosity and confidence, support them to build relationships with others, promote equality, and build more peaceful communities. Play helps children know and claim their rights. Play changes everything.

I join Right To Play International and thousands of parents, teachers, and supporters in standing for your rights to an education, to be safe, and to play. I believe that:

Every child deserves a joyful childhood free from fear, violence, and exploitation;

No child should experience discrimination or marginalization because of their gender, race, ability, or background;

Every child deserves a quality play-based education that’s engaging and inclusive and teaches them the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in learning and in life;

Every child deserves the support of supportive and skilled teachers and coaches who can support their learning and well-being;

Every child deserves the chance to play outside of school in safe community play spaces

Every country should integrate play-based learning into school curriculum and teaching practice so that children can learn in safe, fun, and supportive environments that foster curiosity, autonomy, and participation.

Sincerely,

Want to help even more?

If you’re ready to take action now, you can make an early donation to bring play, healing, and support to children who need it most.