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 Peter and Štefánia, two Local Action Team (LAT) Coordinators in Slovakia, want you to know about their work.

Interview with Peter Strážik

Country: Slovakia
Job title: Primary School Headmaster
Years working as LAT coordinator: 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: This approach offers new opportunities to work with families, especially with children from excluded communities in Slovakia. The TOY Play Hub philosophy provides a system based on volunteering, welcomes the participation of all ages, and focuses primarily on the child’s development through play.

Q: We know that one of the most important features of the TOY for Inclusion approach is the flexibility, can you explain how your Play Hub adapted during the pandemic?
A: It is a really challenging period for the organization actors, but especially for families with children. We try to be versatile; we support leaflets and information, give out disinfectants, facemasks, and help children with homework. Also, following the current measures, we still carry out activities in smaller groups.

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: There are many such situations, but one reaction of a Roma mother was amusing and profound at the same time: “If the Play Hub is always there, we will have a lot of children because we have a place to go with them.”

Q: What are two things you want policy makers to know about TOY for Inclusion?
A: They should come and see the sophisticated system and strategy, how we operate, and the level of interest in our activity in our community. Secondly, as the elementary school headmaster, they should ask me about how better-prepared children are for the first year of school, thanks to the Play Hub.

Q: Can you share in a few words what makes you proud to be a Local Action Team coordinator/Play Hub Assistant?
A: I am happy to see dozens of children and parents playing together, without prejudice, even though they are from different backgrounds. We are a unique example of good practice for the whole of Slovakia.

Interview with Štefánia Pastoreková

Country: Slovakia
Job title: Pre-school teacher
Years working as LAT coordinator: 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: It is something new and unknown in our region. At the same time, it is a functional mechanism compared to dozens of projects that have not always met their goal and were not sustainable.

Q: We know that one of the most important features of the TOY for Inclusion approach is the flexibility, can you explain how your Play Hub adapted during the pandemic?
A: If we did not have a Play Hub in this community, the only source of information would be the media and doctors. I feel that we replace the state’s role, but we are happy to help these families in need in the form of visits, leaflets, or by offering free disinfectants.

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: Young parents of three children who visit us regularly asked us if we could open a new Play Hub in the community where their family lives because they think it would help them.

Q: What are two things you want policy makers to know about TOY for Inclusion?
A: First of all, it is about flexibility. People from ages 0 to 90 visit us, and we have prepared the place and activities for everyone. Next, the way we work is meaningful but not financially demanding, so Play Hubs should be present in every community.

Q: Can you share in a few words what makes you proud to be a Local Action Team coordinator/Play Hub Assistant?
A: I can really be proud. I have gained new knowledge through great training, and I see amazing feedback from the most vulnerable.