KOMPAN

KOMPAN in the German Bundestag
The International Play Association and the KOMPAN Play Institute called for an evening on children’s play rights in Germany in the German Bundestag on May 16th 2006.
 
Gregor Amann, member of the German Bundestag for SPD, hosted an evening. The participants counted among others participants from the Children’s Commission of Germany, UNICEF Germany and IPA Germany. The discussion of children’s right to play was moderated by IPA World President, Michael Paris, after an introductory lecture by Jeanette Fich Jespersen, manager of the KOMPAN Play Institute.
 
”At times with growing overweight and obesity in children, free play is crucial for children in all countries,” Mr. Paris argued in his opening words. “The IPA wants to work for children’s right to play in the third world through a strengthening of the work of the International Play Association in Europe.”
 
In her lecture Mrs. Jespersen from KOMPAN stressed the fact that respecting children’s rights to a large extend means respecting their right to play. “Free play outdoors stimulates not only physical activity. Play areas also serve a democratic purpose as culture carriers and meeting points across generations,” Mrs. Jespersen said.
 
In the following discussion there was an emphasis on the cultural aspects implicated in respecting play in our societies generally. Adults often seem to forget about children’s need to play.  The free, non-prescriptive play that was a natural part of most parents’ childhood is almost non-existing. This is a threat: “Not only does the lack of free outdoor play in our children lead to physical deficits. It also limits creativity in our children. Creativity is vital – in times of globalization countries like Germany and Denmark are meant to survive on innovation and creativity. By depriving our children of areas for free play we might very well risk depriving our societies of future opportunities”, said Mrs. Jespersen.
 
”This evening has shown that there is a need to discuss play and children’s right to a larger extent. It is encouraging to see that across political orientation we can agree on the need for action in this field”, Mr. Amann said in his closing words.

For further info please see:
www.ipaworld.org
 
KOMPAN Play Institute
May 2006