According to Cllr Ronald Harris, the Member of the Mayoral (MMC) for Community Development in the City of Joburg, there have been numerous activities such as storytelling, puppet shows, craft ideas, games, and many more that Community Development’s Library and Information Services have hosted for learners to play, keep active and entertained during the June/July school holidays.

Activities were provided to offer children a variety of fun learning and reading experiences, with activities provided free of charge to children, in keeping with the City’s pro-poor development priority area of increasing access to mea​ningful redress.

“These activities and games are a great way to teach children about food and healthy eating while having fun. Play-based learning also promotes children’s development in many areas, including physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development,” said Veronica Struis, health promoter at Lenasia South Civic Clinic for the City.

Separate from mealtimes, children could explore and learn about food in an engaging way through play-based food activities. Food-related games and activities are also an excellent way to introduce children to new and unfamiliar foods in a gentle and encouraging manner, particularly for picky eaters or children who are hesitant to try new foods.

Banyana Moloi, the artist and founder of Futuristic Minds, read a story to the children and went on to emphasise the importance of storytelling. “Listening to stories stimulates a child’s curiosity and imagination endlessly,” she said.

“Fantasy is the key to exploration and creative thinking. The rich imagery in the mind inspires a child to play around with ideas and create experiences without the fear of being judged or criticised,” she added.

As the school holidays draw near to a close, the City of Johannesburg encourages parents to drop off their children at the library for the fun-filled holiday programme where children can learn and be active in a safe environment.