From Toy Libraries to Mobile Vans, Children Toy Foundation Is Bringing Play to Children Across India (VIDEO)
Several decades ago, a young Devendra Desai, who had been a chess player, chanced upon the Chacha Nehru Toy Library in Bandra, where he was struck by the variety of games available. He began trying them one by one, starting with a memory game. He played it with a child and lost. Then came a mechanical game, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He picked up a puzzle next, but could not solve it…
A retired chess enthusiast, Devendra Desai, was inspired by the Chacha Nehru Toy Library in Bandra during his childhood. The library showcased a wide array of games, not limited to chess, and highlighted that children from different socio-economic backgrounds could access and enjoy them. Desai observed that parents traveled great distances to rent or exchange games for their kids, while street children in the vicinity lacked access to even the simplest playthings.
This stark contrast sparked a desire within Desai to establish a space where all children could play and learn, regardless of their financial situation.
In 1986, Desai founded the Children Toy Foundation (CTF) with this vision, setting up toy libraries across India. These libraries aimed to be inclusive, offering free play opportunities for children who could not afford to pay, while also providing a mobile service for those who could not reach the libraries. Desai, currently 83 years old and serving as the founder and managing trustee, believes in the importance of play in a child's holistic development.
Engaging in toys and games can enhance problem-solving skills, creativity, motor skills, social interaction, and emotional well-being.
Today, CTF has established approximately 485 toy libraries and 11 mobile toy libraries across India, often in collaboration with NGOs and schools. These centers host children aged 3 to 14, dividing them into age-appropriate groups to ensure an equitable opportunity for all. CTF's work emphasizes the role of play in nurturing cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth in children.
Rukaiya Joshi, a retired professor and mentor to NGOs, commends Desai and his team for their significant contributions to society. Despite the ever-present allure of digital devices, CTF offers a refreshing alternative by engaging children in meaningful activities through a diverse range of toys and games. This innovative approach, rooted in Desai's unwavering commitment and continuous innovation, underscores the lasting impact of the Children Toy Foundation.
Written by urgent.news from Free Press Journal's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
