Save the Children hosts 'Shishu Mela'

Aug 10, 2023

Save the Children, a humanitarian organization for children, organized a day-long Shishu Mela (child fair) on Saturday, aiming to promote sport among children, emphasizing joy, exploration, problem-solving, and resilience, and highlighting the importance of a safe environment for children to learn through play.

Held at the Lakeshore Hotel in Gulshan, the fair is part of Save the Children's “Championing Play” initiative in Bangladesh, funded by the Lego Foundation, reads a press release.

The fair was brimming with activities designed to foster early childhood care and development (ECCD).

The “Khelnar Karigor” stall guided children in crafting toys out of paper, while the “Akibuki” stall offered a platform for children to express their creativity through drawing.

At the “Ja Iccha Tai” stall, children were free to set up games of their choice, and at “Mati Niya Matamati,” they were encouraged to mould clay into various forms.

Children playing at Shishu Mela hosted by Save the Children at the Lakeshore Hotel in Gulshan on Saturday, August 5, 2023 Photo: Courtesy"}">

International and local stories were narrated at the “Golper Jhuri” stall, and a rocket and car-themed photo booth was set up for children's photo sessions.

Puppet shows were held, further adding to the variety of the fair's offerings.

Children aged 3 to 10, along with their parents, participated in this event via online pre-registration for morning and afternoon sessions.

The “Championing Play” project, a vital initiative by Save the Children, focuses on the physical, linguistic, social, and cognitive development of children aged 0-6 years in Gaibandha district.

During the pandemic, the project utilized play and learning materials to create an encouraging environment for children's learning at home.

In addition to Gaibandha, the project partners with the Bangladesh Shishu Academy to distribute play materials, known as Magic Bags, to education centres, promoting learning through play.

Similarly, Magic Bags were distributed to some private schools in Dhaka, further endorsing the concept of learning through play.