IT'S TIME TO PLAY
Inés Xantakis - Romina Cornejo - Noelia Comatto (2019)
Summary:
1. SUMMARY
This paper describes our experience and the development of the community work carried out since 2012 by the O.N.G. "It's time
to play". This non-profit association arises with the mission of promoting spaces for play, recreation, and art in communities of
children with violated rights in Máximo Paz, Cañuelas, province of Buenos Aires. It arose in response to the closure of the Bocardo
Day Center in 2010, which was crucial for the containment and pedagogical support of approximately 200 children in the
community, giving rise to the "Traveling Playroom Program". We began by carrying out activities in public spaces in the
neighborhoods, schools, and houses of the community, with the participation of professionals, volunteers and members of the
community trained in childhood, health, and recreation.
Today, the project has been consolidated, establishing strong ties between the members of the O.N.G., mothers, young people,
volunteers (both Italian and Argentine) and professionals. This solid network allows us to sustain our activities in various spaces of
the community, becoming stronger and stronger.
2. INTRODUCTION
The O.N.G. "It's Time to Play" operates in Máximo Paz, a town in Cañuelas in Buenos Aires, characterized by a complex social fabric.
It is distinguished by three strands: the first, with middle/high-income families and professionals; the second, where industries and
gated communities are located; and the third, with high population density but few services and communication. The challenge of
our "Traveling Playroom" is to reach this third cordon, offering recreation and art, strengthening resilience, and promoting
community participation. Our project starts from local strengths to address needs and create social change. We believe that play
is fundamental for the integral development of children and adolescents, facilitating meaningful learning and social integration, as
Vygotsky and Winnicott highlight.
3. BUILDING NETWORKS, ROADS AND BRIDGES LOADED WITH MEANING, EMOTION AND SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS
3.1 WHERE WE COME FROM AND WHERE WE ARE GOING
The emergence of the Toy Library dates back to the closure of the Bocardo Day Center in 2010, a vital space for about 200 children
from the community in Máximo Paz. This situation prompted the creation of the Traveling Playroom Project, which travels through
the neighborhoods, promoting community participation and collaboration with local institutions. Although the project focuses on
children and adolescents, mothers and heads of household are also direct beneficiaries, taking on key roles in the coordination of
toy libraries and other community initiatives.
Mothers, mostly from large families and leading single-parent households, become social references, promoting changes, and
collaborating in the resolution of daily problems. The NGO provides training and constant support, promoting community
organization and self-management. Over time, these women strengthen their role, expanding the scope of the project and creating
new initiatives, such as "El Roperito," a clothing donation and distribution program.
In addition, other women in the neighborhood join the effort, establishing picnic areas in their homes to provide support and
recreation. The young people, who are now representatives of the Toy Library, collaborate in the organization of activities and
snacks, together with volunteers and mothers. These spaces not only offer material support, but also strengthen the community's
social networks.
Despite physical challenges, such as lack of space and adverse weather conditions, playroom families show remarkable resilience,
seeking creative solutions and facing difficulties with determination. Mothers not only lead play activities, but also provide
emotional support and solidarity to other women in tricky situations, demonstrating an impressive degree of community
empowerment and resilience.
1
Made by MatyBuda
Inés Xantakis - Romina Cornejo - Noelia Comatto (2019)
Summary:
1. SUMMARY
This paper describes our experience and the development of the community work carried out since 2012 by the O.N.G. "It's time
to play". This non-profit association arises with the mission of promoting spaces for play, recreation, and art in communities of
children with violated rights in Máximo Paz, Cañuelas, province of Buenos Aires. It arose in response to the closure of the Bocardo
Day Center in 2010, which was crucial for the containment and pedagogical support of approximately 200 children in the
community, giving rise to the "Traveling Playroom Program". We began by carrying out activities in public spaces in the
neighborhoods, schools, and houses of the community, with the participation of professionals, volunteers and members of the
community trained in childhood, health, and recreation.
Today, the project has been consolidated, establishing strong ties between the members of the O.N.G., mothers, young people,
volunteers (both Italian and Argentine) and professionals. This solid network allows us to sustain our activities in various spaces of
the community, becoming stronger and stronger.
2. INTRODUCTION
The O.N.G. "It's Time to Play" operates in Máximo Paz, a town in Cañuelas in Buenos Aires, characterized by a complex social fabric.
It is distinguished by three strands: the first, with middle/high-income families and professionals; the second, where industries and
gated communities are located; and the third, with high population density but few services and communication. The challenge of
our "Traveling Playroom" is to reach this third cordon, offering recreation and art, strengthening resilience, and promoting
community participation. Our project starts from local strengths to address needs and create social change. We believe that play
is fundamental for the integral development of children and adolescents, facilitating meaningful learning and social integration, as
Vygotsky and Winnicott highlight.
3. BUILDING NETWORKS, ROADS AND BRIDGES LOADED WITH MEANING, EMOTION AND SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS
3.1 WHERE WE COME FROM AND WHERE WE ARE GOING
The emergence of the Toy Library dates back to the closure of the Bocardo Day Center in 2010, a vital space for about 200 children
from the community in Máximo Paz. This situation prompted the creation of the Traveling Playroom Project, which travels through
the neighborhoods, promoting community participation and collaboration with local institutions. Although the project focuses on
children and adolescents, mothers and heads of household are also direct beneficiaries, taking on key roles in the coordination of
toy libraries and other community initiatives.
Mothers, mostly from large families and leading single-parent households, become social references, promoting changes, and
collaborating in the resolution of daily problems. The NGO provides training and constant support, promoting community
organization and self-management. Over time, these women strengthen their role, expanding the scope of the project and creating
new initiatives, such as "El Roperito," a clothing donation and distribution program.
In addition, other women in the neighborhood join the effort, establishing picnic areas in their homes to provide support and
recreation. The young people, who are now representatives of the Toy Library, collaborate in the organization of activities and
snacks, together with volunteers and mothers. These spaces not only offer material support, but also strengthen the community's
social networks.
Despite physical challenges, such as lack of space and adverse weather conditions, playroom families show remarkable resilience,
seeking creative solutions and facing difficulties with determination. Mothers not only lead play activities, but also provide
emotional support and solidarity to other women in tricky situations, demonstrating an impressive degree of community
empowerment and resilience.
1
Made by MatyBuda
