TOY for Inclusion Conversations: Play Hub Coordinators from Italy
As the COVID-19 pandemic lingers and activities continue to occur in online spaces, TOY for Inclusion is taking advantage of this movement online to showcase some of the most influential and crucial voices of the TOY for Inclusion project.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve shared updates on the work of partners involved in the project. We’ve also highlighted insights from municipalities about the TOY for Inclusion Play Hubs’ unparalleled importance in communities.
Now, we’re handing the microphone to those who are working in the Play Hubs. Listen to hear what Manuela and Martina, two Local Action Team (LAT) Coordinators want you to know about their work.
Interview with Manuela Tedesco
Role in TOY for Inclusion: LAT Coordinator
Where: “Casa di TOY” Play Hub, Mazara del Vallo, Italy
Job title: Social worker in the field of education
Years as LAT Coordinator: Almost 2 years
Q: What do you think makes the TOY for Inclusion approach unique or different from other initiatives for young children and their families?
A: Play Hubs are places where different cultures can meet and feel welcome; they are places of exchange between generations and where the experience of the older adults are a treasure for the children and the community.
Q: We know that one of the most important features of the TOY for Inclusion approach is flexibility. Can you explain how your Play Hub adapted during the pandemic?
A: We reached out to the children through chat and social media, keeping their moods up with digital activities and ideas for new games. Parents were also happy because they could have funny moments too.
Q: Can you tell us about one reaction, feedback, or comment from a family or child attending your Play Hub that had an impact on you personally or that ‘touched your heart’?
A: Two sisters asked to put their drawings on the wall to decorate the “Casa di TOY” Play Hub; this touched my heart. It helped me understand how attached they are to this place and how it feels like their own home.
Q: What are two things you want policy makers to know about TOY for Inclusion?
A: I want policy makers to understand how important playing is to overcome cultural barriers from an early age and the importance of playing between caregivers and children, which is often underestimated.
Q: Can you share in a few words what makes you proud to be a Local Action Team coordinator?
A: I am happy to participate in a good initiative to promote inclusion in my local community and coordinate the Local Action Team because it is composed of qualified professionals, who are the fundamental support for the project itself.
Interview with Martina Sciamplicotti
Role in TOY for Inclusion: LAT Coordinator
Where: “Ex Fienile” Play Hub, Rome, Italy
Job title: Pedagogist
Years as LAT Coordinator: 1.5 years
Q: What do you think makes the TOY for Inclusion approach unique or different from other initiatives for young children and their families?
A: In my opinion, the TOY For Inclusion approach’s merit is its ability to adapt itself to the context and the opportunity this leaves to build the project with the Local Action Team (LAT) and the people benefiting from the project itself, such as families.
Q: We know that one of the most important features of the TOY for Inclusion approach is flexibility. Can you explain how your Play Hub adapted during the pandemic?
A: First of all, we tried to maintain the relationships because they were a point of reference with the children who attended the Play Hub, and for this reason, the Hub became digital.
We also tried to respond to the families’ needs by delivering food parcels and clothes for children. I want to emphasize that we could to respond to the community’s needs, thanks to a constant exchange with LAT members.
Q: Can you tell us about one reaction, feedback, or comment from a family or child attending your Play Hub that had an impact on you personally or that ‘touched your heart’?
A: I come here with my children because they don’t go to kindergarten. In the Play Hub, they have the opportunity to play with other children and learn; it’s very good for them to come here. I can also make friends and talk to other moms.
Q: What are two things you want policy makers to know about TOY for Inclusion?
A: First, I would like policy makers to know that the Play Hub can be a crucial meeting point, a place that brings together many different local actors who usually do not have the opportunity to meet.
Second, TOY for Inclusion is a model of local action that has an echo internationally.
Q: Can you share in a few words what makes you proud to be a Local Action Team coordinator?
A: I’m proud to be the coordinator of a team with different professions, skills, and points of view, which always try to meet and dialogue for a common goal — building something that is really significant for the community.
