THROUGH the collaborative effort of the Child Development Agency (CDA) and the United States-based volunteer organisations, Embracing Orphans and Kids Around the World, as well as Food for the Poor, the State-run Glenhope Nursery in Kingston has received a playground valued at US$50,000 for the children of the facility. The playground was installed at the facility by the volunteers of Kids Around the World.

In keeping with the mandate of the CDA to provide quality care for children under State protection, the agency has partnered with these non-profit agencies to supply and install a total of 50 playgrounds in schools and children’s homes across the island.

Chief executive officer of the CDA, Rosalee Gage-Grey, said the donation of the playground meets one of the basic rights of the child, which is advocated by the CDA.

“Recreation is a right and play is essential for child development and (the playground) will help to stimulate the children,” she emphasised.

The CEO was speaking at the handing over ceremony, held at the Glenhope Nursery on Maxfield Avenue,on Thursday.

Free Hill Primary School in St Ann has also received a playground, which is estimated to cost US$60,000.

Western regional director for the CDA, Eunice Scott-Shaw, pointed out that other institutions will be identified to receive playgrounds.

Embracing Orphans is a non-profit organisation that works in partnership with the CDA to care for children in State care.

Kids Around the World is a charitable entity that installs refurbished playground sets for disadvantaged children around the world.

— JIS