Designing an Educational Program Reflecting Last Year's Children's Park Play Environment Diagnosis and Residents' Voices
Recruiting Participants for Play Activity Leader Training by August 2, Activities from August to November for 4 Months
Creating Safe and Inclusive Play Spaces Where Children Can Play Together
Nowon-gu, Seoul (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that it will train play activity leaders in collaboration with Save the Children to create an inclusive play environment.
Last year, the district conducted the "Our Neighborhood Play Environment Diagnosis Project" with the Seoul branch of the international child rights NGO Save the Children, involving a total of 175 children and adults from Nowon-gu. Through this project, the play environments of public children's parks in the area were assessed, confirming the need for an inclusive play environment where children with and without disabilities can play together.
According to a survey by the Citizens' Coalition for an Barrier-Free Environment, although there are many playgrounds nationwide, as of last year, there were only 31 inclusive playgrounds across the country where children with disabilities can freely play. Reflecting these findings and the nationwide situation, Nowon-gu decided to train customized "play activity leaders" for the district.
The training program includes ▲ specialized education in rescue and first aid ▲ workshops on the right to play for children with disabilities ▲ understanding play guidance ▲ workshops on participation rights for children with disabilities ▲ planning inclusive play for all ▲ playground practice and online education.
Additionally, the curriculum incorporates education on play activities with children with disabilities, reflecting the suggestion from last year’s play environment diagnosis to create a play environment where children with and without disabilities can interact harmoniously.
Applications for the play activity leader training are open to Nowon-gu residents or anyone attending university or working in Nowon-gu, and can be submitted through the Nowon-gu Office website by August 2. The activity period will run for four months from August to November.
Upon completion, participants will receive volunteer hours, a certificate of completion issued by the Nowon-gu Office mayor, and a certificate of completion for the specialized rescue and first aid training.
Within Nowon-gu, the ‘Choroksoop Playground’ in Madeul Sports Park is an inclusive playground where children with and without disabilities can play together. An inclusive playground will also be established in Nohae Sports Park, a youth-specialized sports space scheduled for completion this year. Various play equipment such as ground trampolines, multi-person swings, and complex play structures accessible by wheelchairs will be installed for children to enjoy together.
Mayor Oh Seung-rok of Nowon-gu said, "The recruitment of play activity leaders is significant in that it trains customized leaders reflecting the opinions of children and residents, the actual participants in play." He added, "We will continue to support creating an environment where all children, with and without disabilities, can grow up happily."
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