Educators: Play is essential to learning

Nursery school pupils today celebrated International Day of Play under the theme “Choose Play, Every Day.”
Students, along with teachers and education officials, gathered at the University of Guyana’s Multipurpose Auditorium in Turkeyen for a celebration hosted by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Faculty of Education and Humanities.
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, the ministry noted that today’s celebration brought together students, teachers, parents, education leaders, and partners to affirm a powerful truth: play is not a break from learning—it is learning.
As part of the ministry’s commitment to holistic education and child well-being, the event highlights the essential role of play in developing creativity, confidence, emotional resilience, and critical thinking.
“Today is more than a day of fun—it is a national call to action. A call to create schools, homes, and communities where children have the time, space, and freedom to play safely and meaningfully,” the ministry affirmed, adding that “when we choose play, we choose growth, joy, and a better future for our children.”