Pune: PMC Organizes ‘Children’s Festival’ to Get Kids Off Mobile Phones and Into Outdoor Games
Pune, 19th December 2024: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched a four-day event, Urban 95 Pune Children’s Festival, at Sarasbagh to encourage children to engage in outdoor games rather than spending excessive time on mobile devices. The event begins today and will run until Sunday, 22nd December, offering a range of programs for children and parents.
Organized in collaboration with the Van Leer Foundation, the festival aims to promote free play in nature and foster the mental and physical development of children. The event will be inaugurated by PMC’s Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B.P. this morning.
Children visiting Sarasbagh will have the opportunity to enjoy games created using natural elements. Additionally, more than 20 organizations and pediatricians from Pune will participate, providing expert guidance to parents on age-appropriate games and educational activities for young children.
A key highlight of the event is a training session for Anganwadi workers based on the concept of “Play Work,” a popular approach in European countries that emphasizes the importance of unstructured play in childhood development.
PMC officials have stated that the festival is designed to highlight the importance of free play in shaping children’s cognitive and emotional well-being. Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend and learn about engaging children in activities that balance physical activity with learning.
