Play Labs Launched to Support Hospitalized Children in Freetown  

By: Saidu Jalloh, Reporter
 Freetown, -The Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, officially launched three Early Childhood Development (ECD) Play Labs on Monday, December 9, 2024. The facilities, located at Ola During Children’s Hospital, Connaught Hospital, and the Julius Maada Bio Pediatric Center of Excellence in Lumley, aim to provide hospitalized children with educational and therapeutic opportunities to support their recovery and emotional well-being.

In her opening remarks, Deputy Minister Emily K. Gogra emphasized the importance of meaningful play in early childhood development, describing the initiative as a crucial step in addressing children’s educational and emotional needs during hospital stays. Assistant Director of the Early Childhood Development Unit, Madam Melody Martin, highlighted the inter-ministerial collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education that underpins the initiative.

UNICEF Country Director Rudolf Schwenk called for expanded partnerships to establish similar facilities nationwide. He described the play labs as a foundational investment in achieving universal early childhood education and reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to advancing children’s well-being in Sierra Leone.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister Sackey lauded the Play Labs as a milestone in the government’s inclusive development agenda, championed by President Julius Maada Bio under the “New Direction Agenda.” The initiative prioritizes education, health, and social welfare.

“These Play Labs are designed to help hospitalized children continue their education through access to books and learning tools, promote recovery and emotional well-being through play, and provide therapeutic activities that alleviate anxiety and create a sense of normalcy during hospital stays,” said Sackey.

The minister expressed gratitude to healthcare workers, the National ECD Steering Committee, and development partners for their efforts in realizing the initiative. He concluded by urging collective action to ensure every child in Sierra Leone has access to the resources needed to thrive.

The launch ceremony at Ola During Children’s Hospital brought together officials from the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, UNICEF representatives, hospital staff, and members of the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education.