The world’s dealing with a huge refugee crisis right now. The UNHCR says over 108 million people have been forced to leave their homes, and that includes more than 36 million refugees. Kids are the most at risk. They go through awful stuff when they’re displaced like trauma, and they often don’t have access to things they need, like toys and places to play. But play is super important for how kids grow and learn. That means there’s something we can do to really help.
This blog is all about how making toys can really benefit refugee children while also giving companies a cool way to do team-building that matters. Let’s get started.
The Impact of Play on Refugee Children’s Development
Refugee kids often don’t get to enjoy being kids. Only about 37% go to high school. Schooling is just one issue. Many of these kids have been through tough experiences, which can make it hard for them to grow emotionally and learn.
Playing is really helpful, which is pretty cool. Studies show it can help kids deal with tough times, get stronger, and learn how to get along with others and think better. Toys aren’t just for fun; they help kids learn, be creative, and show their feelings.
Dr. Sarah Dryden-Peterson, who knows a lot about refugee education at Harvard, says that play is something everyone understands. It brings people together and helps children feel secure when things are unstable. Giving toys to kids isn’t just giving them something to do; it’s helping them grow.
Companies for Good in Action
Companies for Good is helping make a real difference through simple, do-it-yourself toy projects. Here are a couple of cool stories:
- Making Toys for Refugee Kids
Companies for Good put together a team activity where employees from different areas come together to make toys for refugee kids. This project gives kids some fun toys to play with and also helps build teamwork and creativity among everyone involved.
- Making Toys and Backpacks for Refugee Kids with Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts
Companies for Good teamed up with Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts for a workshop where people made toys and backpacks for refugee kids. So the kids got some fun toys and useful backpacks too.
Amplifying Impact Through Storytelling
Telling stories is super important if you want to make a difference. Sharing real stories of refugee kids—in a good, respectful way—can get people moving and help them want to do something. It’s not just for getting your name out there; it’s about making your company care and feel something, too.
Here’s how you can make a bigger splash:
- Inside the Company: Show pictures and tell stories from those toy-making events to get your employees pumped up.
- Outside the Company: Get on social media, talk about what you’re doing, and get others involved.
- Keep it Going: Team up with groups like Companies for Good to keep those projects going and help those kids.
Keep in mind, each toy that’s made tells a story to show kids still have hope and can bounce back.
Join the Movement: Creating Joy, One Toy at a Time
The refugee situation is tough, but helping out can be simple. Companies can make toys together—it’s a fun way to build team spirit and help kids who need it.
Think about how much better things could be if more companies did this! By joining forces, we can bring smiles and hope to these kids, bit by bit, one toy at a time.
Want to jump in? Take a look at Companies for Good to find out how your company can get involved. When we team up, we’re not just crafting toys; we’re making a positive change in the world.