MERF Organizes ECD PlayMela in Sindh to Promote Child Wellbeing and Positive Parenting

MERF, in collaboration with White Rice, successfully organized ECD PlayMela across target Union Councils in District Thatta and Jacobabad to promote awareness regarding ECD, nutrition, health, hygiene, psychosocial wellbeing, and positive caregiving practices among families and communities.

The PlayMela served as interactive community platform where families participated in educational games, play-based learning activities, awareness sessions, and discussions focused on child development and family wellbeing. Caregivers also engaged in low-cost toy-making activities using locally available indigenous materials suitable for children of different age groups.

To encourage creativity and community participation, a toy-making competition was organized during the PlayMela, where the three best innovative toys were awarded prizes and certificates. Certificates of appreciation were also distributed among parents in recognition of their regular and meaningful participation in ECD activities.

Several engaging and interactive stalls and activities were established during the events, including face painting, emotion mirror corners, snake games, stapo games, family tree hand painting activities, toy-making corners, toys and handicrafts displays, obstacle games, and traditional dance performances.

These activities created a joyful, inclusive, and child-friendly environment while strengthening community understanding of early childhood care, stimulation, nutrition, and positive parenting practices.

Through the ECD PlayMela, made possible with the support of UNICEF, MERF continues to promote nurturing care, positive parenting, and community engagement to support the healthy growth and development of children in underserved communities of District Thatta and Jacobabad.