Stories

Claire: The Parent Who Learned to Play Again

In Uganda’s Nakivale settlement, Claire transformed from a stern, exhausted parent to a playful, nurturing mother thanks to the support she found in Right To Play’s Play To Grow program. Once feared by her children, Claire now creates homemade toys, tells stories, and uses play to teach crucial skills while building stronger family bonds. Her story demonstrates how play-based parenting can heal relationships, promote equal treatment of children, and create positive change that ripples throughout the community.

Parenting with Love: Vastina’s Story

Vastina once struggled to support the needs of her daughter, Christine, who lives with a disability. Poverty, social stigma, and inadequate support and services created stress and tension in their home. Through Right To Play’s Play To Grow parent education program, she learned how to support Christine and her five other children, and began sharing her skills and experiences with fellow parents. Her story shows how empowering parents with play-based strategies can strengthen parent-child bonds and support child development.

Becoming Coaches: Manar, Yara, And Abeer's Stories

In Lebanon, youth coaches Manar, Yara, and Abeer lead music-based activities that help children, many of them refugees, navigate emotional challenges and social issues through the Music for Development and Social Change program. Once program participants who benefited from the program, they are now helping create safe spaces for younger children where hope and empowerment have replaced anxiety and despair.

Finding Joy in Parenting: Benia’s Story

Benia was a struggling single father in Uganda, overwhelmed by personal challenges and disconnected from his children. But through Right To Play’s Play To Grow program, he learned to use play-based learning to strengthen his bond with his sons. Now, Benia spends his days laughing, playing soccer, and crafting toys with his children, proving that a little play can transform lives and families.

How Nadira Overcame Bullying and Found Her Voice

How Aminata's Leadership Inspires and Empowers Displaced Children in Mali

Growing Beyond Trauma: Anita’s Story

FINDING A REASON TO LOVE SCHOOL: JACOB’S STORY

Twelve-year-old Jacob transformed from a disengaged student to an enthusiastic learner through Right To Play’s SHARE program. Using innovative play-based methods, the program helped Jacob discover his talents in drama and sports while gaining crucial life skills. His story showcases how combining education with play can create lasting positive change for children, their families, and their communities. The program's comprehensive approach to health education has strengthened family bonds and fostered more open dialogue about important health topics, while reaching hundreds of schools and health centers across the region.