Community Play Library-Transform Children's Lives

This is our 2^nd quarterly report for the Community Play Library (“Ludoteca”) in Quibdó, Colombia.  The project is led by the Corporación Organización El Minuto de Dios.

The necessary administrative procedures were completed for reconstruction of the classrooms to be used for the project at the Colegio Santa Coloma.  An agreement was formalized in which the Colegio Santa Coloma committed to financing the renovations.  With the receipt of the funds, the call for tenders for the hiring of labor and the selection of material suppliers began.

The social worker in charge of the Minuto de Dios Play Library in Istmina, another municipality in the department of Chocó, held several coordination meetings with key stakeholders of the project in Quibdó.  First, she met with the principal and teaching staff of the Colegio Santa Coloma to transfer the methodology that will guide the management of the play library. At the meeting, a detailed explanation was presented of the components of the play library's operation:  promotion of sports, psychosocial support and family strengthening, cultural and artistic promotion, nutritional recovery, and environmental responsibility. Each of these components was adapted to the specific characteristics of the institution and the community, ensuring alignment with local needs.

During the meeting, the model of the Play Libraries was presented in detail, highlighting the principles and criteria that will guide the design and development of the activities.   Special emphasis was placed on creating a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment that fosters the comprehensive development of children and adolescents, allowing them to participate in activities that promote their personal, social, and educational growth.

At the same time, a process of outreach was carried out with the direct beneficiaries of the project, i.e., the school's children, to identify their expectations, concerns, and needs. This outreach process is essential to tailor the activities and to ensure that the space fosters their active participation, emotional development, and integration into the educational process of the play library.  Furthermore, a detailed plan was established for the material and logistical resources necessary, including the acquisition of furniture, teaching materials, and supplies. These elements will be procured once the construction work is completed, ensuring that the space is fully functional and suitable for the planned activities.  

• Ludoteca - complete report in Spanish with photos (DOCX)