RockStone & Pebbles

🌟 Empowering Children, One Playful Step at a Time! 🌟   Last Friday, Phase 2 of our collaborative play project with MADaboutArt, focused on advocacy, reached an important milestone, during the 16 Days of Activism. This annual UN campaign shines a spotlight on the fight to end violence against women and children—a cause deeply connected to empowering young voices. The campaign culminated with a march during which children from the MADaboutArt centre in Knysna, South Africa raised their voices for their right to play, showcasing the seven panels they co-created during Phase 1 of our collaborative play project. These panels told a powerful story: - The barriers the children face in accessing play.  - The negative consequences of restricted play.  - The value and joy play brings to their lives.    The final panel—a call to action—was presented to the Mayor alongside a memorandum of demands. In an unprecedented moment, the Mayor acknowledged that this was the first time children had come forward to demand change from the municipality. Phase 2 began earlier this year with the children courageously advocating for their right to play to their community and leaders. For many, it was their first time presenting their demands to adults—a moment of transformation and empowerment. At RockStone and Pebbles we believe that play is not a luxury; it's a right. Play is children's language and it is every child's human right. These children have shown us the power of young voices and how inspiring they can be when given the platform. Together, let’s continue to support their journey. 💪🎉  You can find out more about the panels in our latest annual report, http://bit.ly/3D7AFAx #RightToPlay #ChildEmpowerment #16DaysOfActivism #PlayIsARight #MADaboutArt #RSP #powerofplay #playcreateschange #smallcharitiesbigimpact #connectandcollaborate #article31UNCRC #playmatters #letthemplay International Play Association (IPA World); Philip D. Jaffé

In week 2 we have engaged with different groups of children, aged between 5 and 12 - it's fair to say that the younger ones were a very energetic group! We enjoyed many types of play - such as movement based games, ball games, drawing - and experimented with new artistic techniques - measuring, using shapes to create pictures, stenciling. The children were so engaged and enthusiastic and through interactive games, they are not just having fun; they are also building confidence, improving their wellbeing and social skills and learning, from shapes to new English words. This week we were so blessed to be joined by Shivani, one of our brilliant volunteers, who really believes in the power of children's free expression and empowerment through play and brings a deep understanding of the local context. We have also observed how proud the community is becoming of this project as we had some women visiting and enjoying some time observing the children play and laugh. Getting the buy-in from the community will be crucial in ensuring that these children will be able to enjoy their right to play beyond the duration of the project. #playisaright #RSP #RightToPlay #powerofplay #playcreateschange #smallcharitiesbigimpact #connectandcollaborate #article31UNCRC #playandlearn #playbasedlearning #playmatters #playandlearn #playandgrow #letthemplay #playforwellbeing #playischildrenlanguage

The transformation is in full swing in the first school: Narsangvir! This week we engaged with children aged 9 to 12 and the energy has been nothing short of inspiring! As we embark on this journey, we’re focusing on two key areas: Learning through Play and Playing for Fun and Wellbeing. Learning through Play We’ve introduced a variety of creative activities, including: * Painting: Children are exploring their artistic sides by creating vibrant wall murals. For most of them, this was the first time they had ever painted. * English Language Skills: Through interactive lessons involving shapes, animals, and songs, we’re making learning enjoyable and practical. * Teamwork: Classes are divided into teams identified by shapes on their name badges, fostering collaboration as they engage in fun projects like stock counting of paint materials and using stencils. Playing for Fun and Wellbeing We also prioritise playtime that promotes physical activity and social interaction: * Engaging games such as three-ball games, Chinese whispers, and Duck Duck Goose. * Singing classic songs like "Heads, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes." * Creating a joyful atmosphere where children can run, laugh, and forge new friendships. The school is brighter than ever, thanks to the murals taking shape, and the principal is thrilled! "I never realized how easy it was!". She is now committed to embark on similar initiatives across other buildings that need attention. The play structure is also starting to take shape, through great collaboration with the brilliant Construction Team. #playisaright #LearningThroughPlay #RSP #RightToPlay #powerofplay #playcreateschange #smallcharitiesbigimpact #connectandcollaborate #article31UNCRC #playandlearn #playbasedlearning #earlychildhooddevelopment #playmatters #playandlearn #playandgrow #letthemplay #playforwellbeing #playischildrenlanguage #innovativeplaysolutions

Project activities have taken off in Gujarat! Our brilliant team is back together: RSP's Trustees Meera Patel and Juliette Liebi; Lead Volunteer and Community Liaison Indira Desai, Construction Manager Raghvendra (Raghu) Pasi, and Paras Katara who will make sure everyone travels safely. We had a productive meeting with Haresh Patel, who is the administrator for 13 local schools; the principals and the teachers. We also spent some time with groups of children from Dhabala, Nandoli, Narsangvir and Rancharda schools. The meetings with the teachers were extremely useful to refine project activities and plans. Their enthusiasm and valuable ideas for additional playful activities sllowed us to adapt our plans to better meet the children's needs. We are excited to be on this transformative journey together! #GujaratProject #Collaboration #RSP #ChildhoodDevelopment #CommunityImpact #socialchange #RightToPlay #childrensrights #charitymatters #charitytools #charityframeworks #socialchange #charitycollaboration #smallcharitiesbigimpact #playandlearn #playbasedlearning #earlychildhooddevelopment #playmatters #playandlearn #playandgrow #letthemplay #playforwellbeing #playischildrenlanguage

🛝Transforming Play: 2 Years in the Making! At RockStone & Pebbles (RSP), we're excited to share the culmination of our two-year preparation for a groundbreaking phase 2 play project in Gujarat, India. This initiative, set to impact over 500 children, exemplifies the power of meticulous planning and diverse stakeholder engagement. Key Preparation Milestones: 1. Stakeholder Collaboration: • Engaged trustees, volunteers, and local facilitators • Partnered with school teachers and administrators • Coordinated with construction managers and mural artists • Built relationships with community leaders 2. Project Design: • Developed innovative play structure concepts • Created interactive educational elements • Designed safety protocols adhering to international standards 3. Community Integration: • Conducted needs assessments with local communities • Planning awareness campaigns on the importance of play • Planned play trips to Science City and other interactive activities with kids from ages 4-12 4. Logistical Planning: • Secured necessary permits and approvals • Established supply chains for materials • Developed a comprehensive project timeline 5. Impact Measurement: • Designed evaluation metrics for long-term success • Created feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement 6. Fundraising Campaigns and community awareness on the importance of play This project underscores the importance of thorough preparation in community development initiatives. By involving a diverse range of stakeholders and meticulously planning each aspect, we've laid the groundwork for a transformative experience that goes beyond mere playground construction. We're grateful for the dedication of our team and we're excited to see this vision come to life, fostering childhood development and community growth. #CommunityDevelopment #ChildhoodEducation #ProjectManagement #SocialImpact #RSP #ImaginativePlay #RightToPlay #childrensrights #charitymatters #charitytools #charityframeworks #socialchange #charitycollaboration #smallcharitiesbigimpact #charitymatters #charitytools #wecollaborate #PlayMatters

Playtime Reimagined: Fostering Development Through Innovative Play Design We're thrilled to unveil our latest project: a multifaceted play structure that transcends traditional playground equipment. This thoughtfully designed space, tailored for children aged 5-11, will be built in a school within a disadvantaged community in Gujarat, India. Our new play structure embodies our philosophy focused on promoting holistic child development; its key features are: *Physical growth: Diverse climbing challenges, that grow with children's developmental stages; *Cognitive stimulation: Interactive surfaces with climbers, murals, and board game tiles; adaptable to various play styles; *Social skills: "Pockets of play" encouraging unique interactions, creativity and problem solving; *Safety: Sand bedding and age-appropriate ergonomics; Our goal extends beyond building playgrounds. We aim to create spaces where children can open up, discover themselves, express freely, and build confidence through connecting with others —shaping their futures. Interested in innovative solutions for child-centric spaces in underserved communities? Let's connect and discuss how we can bring imagination to life in your area. #ChildDevelopment #PlaygroundDesign #InnovativePlay #CommunityEmpowerment #SocialImpact #RSP #PlaygroundInnovation #ImaginativePlay #RightToPlay #childrensrights #charitymatters #charitytools #charityframeworks #socialchange #charitycollaboration #smallcharitiesbigimpact #charitymatters #charitytools #wecollaborate #PlayMatters

We’re thrilled to share that our Year 6 Annual Report is now published! Creating this report took significant time, dedication, and teamwork, all to provide you with a transparent and detailed look at our activities and accomplishments this financial year. Many thanks to the various individuals and organisations who collaborate with us. We’re also grateful to our donors and volunteers, whose generosity and time have helped us achieve our goals, and to everyone who supports RSP. A special thanks to Niketa Fazal Patel, for the stunning art she has created for RockStone & Pebbles over the last 6 years, and to our #youngvolunteer Siyona Patel who created original art for RSP. Thank you to the incredible #organisations who inspire us and #collaborate with us: MADaboutArt, The Rotary Club of the Northdowns, High Hopes for Children, Meynell Games, PLAYGROUND IDEAS, TIDES FOUNDATION and the Maternal Gift Economy. And our wonderful #volunteers and #people: Anam Patel, Indira Desai, Trishna Patel, Sachi Patel, Siyona Patel, Daniel Thorndyke, Aparna Manaswini, Manav, Dalia Abu Yassien, Sarah Thorndyke.

📝The beauty of gamification lies in its ability to cater to diverse learning styles, ensuring everyone can engage and excel. - Sarah Patel 🧩Some key 🗝️ parallels between gamification in parenting and the corporate world: ➡️Just as gamification makes learning exciting for children, incorporating game elements into corporate training and tasks can increase employee engagement and motivation. ➡️Similar to how parents and children bond through gamified experiences, employees can strengthen their relationships and teamwork by participating in gamified activities together. ➡️Gamification teaches children to view challenges as adventures and setbacks as opportunities for growth. Similarly, in the corporate setting, adopting a gamified approach to work can help employees develop resilience and a growth mindset. ➡️Just as gamified learning caters to the individual needs and pace of children, gamification in the workplace can accommodate different learning styles and preferences among employees. 💡Whether it's bonding with family members or collaborating with colleagues, gamified experiences create opportunities for shared experiences, adaptive learning and mutual growth. Write-Up: Muhammad Fazil Vid. credit: Respective owner #gamification #corporate #parenting #parallels

Support RockStone & Pebbles (RSP) in our fundraising efforts to help us make a difference for children everywhere! We are on a mission to support children worldwide access their right to play. Our second project in the Rancharda community of Gujarat, India, is set for November 2024 to January 2025, and we need your help to raise the remaining £6,000 of our £12,000 target. Join us in enhancing play opportunities for approximately 500 children aged 5-10 in four schools through: *An innovative play structure *Hands-on activities and memorable play days *Community awareness campaigns Click on the link to raise funds: https://lnkd.in/eYXHbiH4 Every donation counts, no matter the size. Together, we can create lasting impacts in these children's lives. Support us today! #PlayMatters #ChildhoodDevelopment #RSP #RightToPlay #socialchange #fundraising #donate #smallcharitiesbigimpact #charitymatters #charitytools #socialchange #wecollaborate #charityfinance #supportingcharities

The power of Play....