It Pays to Play

“All work and no play” is detrimental to the work we do here at PeopleStories Foundation. We place great value in playing and have ensured that every single member of our family- from the children we help to the volunteers who help us- get a chance to play.

​Game for life

For our volunteers, helping underprivileged children attain a chance at lifelong learning takes up a lot of energy. For the children themselves, breaking out of the cycle of poverty also involves a lot of hard work. Therefore, we always ensure that our volunteers and children remain active so they have the strength to do what they must to create the change that they need.

Part of the education curriculum we plan for the children includes sports programs. We teach the children how to play soccer, we invigorate them with dance classes, and we also hold Talent Game Shows for them to show off their athletic skills.
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An instant mood lift
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​​A very visible and almost instantaneous effect that we have witnessed as a result of the exposure to playful activities is a change in mood. Students who were unmotivated were now raising their hands in class. Volunteers who tired easily were lifting heavy bookshelves without complaints. One of our volunteers had also said that being more active had actually helped her destress. The more she played with the children in the sun, the more the tension in her life was diffused.

​Most importantly, through playing, a stronger rapport is built between the people in our communities. Our teachers, volunteers, students and their parents have the opportunity to socialise and interact more with one another. This creates a culture of sharing and strengthens trust amongst one another. When we have trust, it is much easier to work together towards a common goal- helping these children gain a better and brighter future.

The future is playful

The importance of play cannot be understated. We have plans to beef up our sports curriculum in the schools with specialised sports for women, more inclusive sports for the handicapable, and many others.

The success of our plan to play, like everything else we do to help these children, lies on the hands of our donors, sponsors and volunteers. 

If you would like to be a part of our playful future, please write to us at [email protected] or make a contribution at https://chuffed.org/project/schoolforlife2018-19. 

​On behalf of the children of Siem Reap, we thank you.