Countries around the world will observe for the first time International Day of Play on Tuesday (June 11) and Sherwin-Williams is joining forces with UNICEF to paint a hopscotch court at the Chetolah Mel Nathan Education Centre in West Kingston.

Kenneth Richardson, district manager for Sherwin-Williams, was quick to add his support for the collaboration between UNICEF and the Early Childhood Commission (ECC) to create a series of hopscotch courts at early childhood institutions across the island.

This is in addition to the 70 hopscotch courts done and 70 play kits distributed by the ECC in 2023 during its 20th anniversary. 

Richardson is of the view that these courts will have a long-lasting impact on children as they will not only encourage learning through play but will reinforce positive values by featuring affirmations such as ‘respect, love, and responsibility’. 

In welcoming the first hopscotch court for her school, principal Tamara Rowe said her 245 students would love this new addition and thanked the Sherwin-Williams team for agreeing on a spot that was a favourite of the children and the ECC for its continuous support. 

Reinforcing the importance of the collaborative effort, Olga Isaza, UNICEF Representative thanked Sherwin-Williams for helping UNICEF to start its observance of the 35th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child beginning with this, the first of 35 hopscotch courts.

“This special day is a time for us to come together to make sure that every child is able to fulfil their right to play.”

UNICEF’s partnership with Sherwin-Williams is the beginning of ongoing joint efforts to help families and communities find ways to build play into their everyday activities.

“Play creates powerful learning opportunities – intellectual, social, emotional and physical. Through play, children make connections with others, build leadership skills, develop resilience, navigate challenges and conquer their fears,” said Rebecca Tortello, UNICEF education specialist.

The International Day of Play is a time to celebrate the power of play and to raise awareness about how central play is to every child’s development and well-being.

A network of global organisations, play experts and most importantly, children and youth themselves, called on the United Nations member states to place play once again on the agenda and to support the resolution for an International Day of Play.