Event details
Play isn’t just fun, it’s essential! Join the Global Parenting Initiative together with the LEGO Foundation and Clowns Without Borders South Africa for a dynamic webinar in celebration of the International Day of Play, where we explore the critical role of play in parenting and child development. Learn how playful interactions can foster stronger parent-child bonds, promote holistic development, and make everyday parenting more joyful and effective.
Our expert panel will delve into practical approaches, emerging research, and real-world examples of how play is being integrated into parenting programs around the world, especially in resource-constrained settings.
Don’t miss out! See further details below
Date: 9 June 2025
Time: 10:00 SAST | 9:00 BST | 11:00 EAT
Location: Online via Zoom
This event has passed, watch the recording below:
Speakers
Jill Popp
Senior Research Specialist, LEGO Foundation
Jill is a Senior Research Specialist at the LEGO Foundation. Her work focuses on building evidence around learning through play, whole child development, and lifelong learning. She brings a wealth of experience in translating research into action to promote playful learning globally.
Jonathan Klapwijk
Playful Learning Scholar, Global Parenting Initiative
Jonathan is a researcher with the Global Parenting Initiative, where he explores the integration of playful learning approaches in parenting programs. His work bridges research and practice, aiming to make parenting more engaging and effective through play.
Marguerite Marlow
Senior Researcher, Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University
Marguerite is a Senior Researcher at the Institute for Life Course Health Research in the Department of Global Health at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. She specialises in the development, adaptation and implementation of programs to improve parenting and child development, with a decade of experience in designing and evaluating parenting interventions for families with young children in resource-constrained settings.
Nyasha Manjengenja
Technical Programme Specialist/Lead, Clowns Without Borders South Africa
Dr Nyasha Manjengenja is the Head of Programmes at Clowns Without Borders South Africa responsible for managing the International Parenting for Lifelong Health programmes. She holds a BSocial Work (Summa Cum Laude) degree, MA in Child & Family Studies and a PhD in Social Work thesis. Nyasha is a socio-economic justice activist who has actively worked with marginalised and high risk communities to facilitate creation of enabling environments to improve their quality of life.
