“I have never felt so welcome and respected before.” said Anna Dirdova, Roma mother of six, after being at the newly opened TOY for Inclusion Play Hub in Spišský Hrhov, Slovakia.

“The new place I have just visited with my kids is something we should have had much sooner” – she continued. “My boys are happy to play with other kids from the village and nobody treats them any differently. They even have the chance to use books and toys I could not afford. What a perfect place!” – Ms Dirdova concluded.

The TOY for Inclusion Play Hub is a safe education and care space where relationships between Roma and non-Roma young children and their families are built. So far, the project has opened five in four countries.

Since the opening on December 8, 2017, over 130 adults and children have visited the Play Hub in Spišský Hrhov on a regular basis.

This new toy library is equipped with brand new furniture, lots of books, modern toys and games. The activities that are organized have become popular among people both from the Roma and from non-Roma community in the village.

Volunteers and teachers offer children more than just a place to play: children come together to draw, play sports, read and to attend different type of workshops.

While care services are offered to children, their parents can benefit from parental support at the TOY for Inclusion Play Hub as well.

On January 26, 2018, a school psychologist met parents of pre-school children to promote the benefits of attending day care at school. In particular, the psychologist shared data on how spending more time at day care in school can improve education results.

The opening of this toy library was made possible thanks to Skola Dokoran, REYN National Coordinator in Slovakia. For more information you can contact Miroslav Sklenka.

Read more about how TOY for Inclusion’s Play Hubs can contribute to Roma integration on  toy4inclusion.eu.