1. DPF is member of Asian Toy Library
Mr. Sarin was invited to attend the 4th Asian Toy Library International Conference held in Tokyo, Japan, from June 13 to 15, 2013. This was an ideal occasion in which people involved in toy library activities in Asia can get together for communication and information exchange, reconfirming importance of “the play” and “connection with others” for healthy growth of children with and without disabilities.The conference also intends to promote sound growth of young people through toy library activities and to improve competence of the volunteers involved in toy libraries.The conference is held in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Japanese National Council of Toy Libraries.
I am much honored to be invited to attend the 4th Asian of the international conference of toy library in Japan, which has been organized by the Japanese National Council Toy Library and members. And I would like to take this an opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to Mr. Yasuyo Koizumi, The Director of the Japanese National Council Toy Library and Director of the organizing Committee of the 4th Asian Toy Library Conference, Dr. Noriko Minejima and Aina Khor for their great helping DPF to link with this important event, and it was great and very happy to see participants from different countries in Asian,
I am much honored to be invited to attend the 4th Asian of the international conference of toy library in Japan, which has been organized by the Japanese National Council Toy Library and members. And I would like to take this an opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to Mr. Yasuyo Koizumi, The Director of the Japanese National Council Toy Library and Director of the organizing Committee of the 4th Asian Toy Library Conference, Dr. Noriko Minejima and Aina Khor for their great helping DPF to link with this important event, and it was great and very happy to see participants from different countries in Asian,
2. Why DPF started Toy Library?
One day we took children with disabilities around the communities and suddenly we found the house nearby, which there are local children were playing a lot of nice toys, and suddenly one of our child who on the wheelchair stopped right a way, our children disabilities looked to them again and again and then they looked to us, by that time, we did understand well about their feeling and we knew that, they wanted to play those toys, we returned to our center where we promised with them that, we will look fund to set up the Toy Library for you all, by this time, I do believe feeling of learning, imagination and creativity should be
instilled in children when they are small, because that's the age they would
pick up things more easily,
3. WHAT IS A TOY LIBRARY FOR US?
A toy library is a place where parents, grandparents and/or carers can go to borrow variety of good quality toys, puzzles and games, designed to support children’s development and promote learning through play ( Play, Learn and Grow.. together). These toys, puzzles and games can be borrowed and enjoyed at home or in a group in the families of the children and children with disabilities in the communities, we think that, it is just like books from a lending library. I think that, Toy Libraries are where very fun, creativity and play are valued and promoted around the communities where they are living!
At a toy library you can borrow from a vast array
of well made toys that have been designed to support your child’s skill
development and imagination. By the way, through our small experiences during 6 months so far, we think that, Toy Libraries is also aiming to support families and
encourage togetherness with quality time spent playing with children
Toy libraries have some fundamental characteristics. They are below
Toy libraries have some fundamental characteristics. They are below
- Provide quality educational items for children in local communities and their schooling involvements
- Principally cater for pre-school children.
- Have a range of items covering all stages of growth and child focus development and creation.
- Provide an opportunity to meet other caregivers to share concerns, interact with others and make new friends.
- Help parents and carers learn about the ages and stages of child development.
4. Benefits of a toy library in Cambodia
Our networks of a toy library will need to increase a parent’s understanding of the importance of play of their children, and the different types of play and the stages of development at which these types of play are of particular importance for the child development. In addition, Toy Libraries offer a network of support for families. Parents and carers can meet informally, forge friendships and discuss their problems and concerns. They can also be a great way to meet new like-minded people in the communities if the family has just moved into a new area of child development.
5. Getting a group of interested parents in the communities
Any individual or group interested in the value of play for children can start a toy library. Some assessment of the need for a toy library in your area will be required. Will the toy library be serving pre-schoolers, physically, intellectually and/or socially handicapped children or other groups? Getting together with a group of interested parents and others will probably be the first step to getting your toy library up and running.
6. Location in the neighborhood and Accessibility
Ideally, a toy library should be a bright, cheerful, welcoming place. Suitable premises which are easily accessible to users and which will adequately house the toy collection will be required. Approach your local infant welfare centre, church, community centre, or local government community services department to find a possible location. Some of these groups may have unused space which you will be able to use, in some cases rent free, and in others for a nominal amount. Ideally, the toy library should be in a central location, close to public transport and/or with convenient car parking. Many members are likely to have prams, pushers or wheel chairs, so a street level location or ramp access will be required. Also, consider having a place to‘park’ prams, pushers, etc.
7. Importance of PLAY PLAY
Play is how children learn and making it fun as well it is nature's way of ensuring children get lots and lots of practices among of playing, Learning and growing together. Even tiny babies play, practicing moving their hands or sucking their toes which helps them to learn and to control their physical bodies. We found that, the games children play are directly linked to the needs of the growing body and their mind. Children's play has been closely studied by child psychologists who have catalogued the pattern of development of skills and abilities from birth.
If play is a child's work then they must also have the tools for their trade. Toys are tools that help a child to enjoy play.
If play is a child's work then they must also have the tools for their trade. Toys are tools that help a child to enjoy play.