Every child deserves the joy of play—let’s make it possible together!
Deborah Nana Ama Abbey
Development Communication | Youth Public Service | Gender Enthusiast | Activism| Advocacy| Human Rights| Emerging Public Leader
Recently, I watched a thought-provoking interview on #IdeasAtFord featuring Charles Blow and the award-winning actor, Matt Damon, who also co-founded Water.org and WaterEquity. During the conversation, Charles asked Matt about the stories he shares to help people connect with his cause. Matt spoke about a young girl who, before Water.org’s intervention, used to spend two to three hours a day collecting water. Matt told her, "Now, you’ll have more time for your homework." But her response surprised him: "I don’t need more time for homework; I’m the smartest kid in my class." Amused, Matt asked again, "So, what will you do with all your extra time?" Her reply was beautiful and simple: "I am going to play."
Reflecting on this story, Matt said something that resonated deeply: "You’re 13 years old; that’s exactly what you deserve to be doing. The world should allow you to do that." His words struck a chord, taking me back to why I started Every Kid Deserves Christmas.
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As parents, community leaders, and caregivers, we often emphasise children’s responsibilities at home, school, or church. But how often do we intentionally encourage children to play? And I don’t mean just shooing them away with gadgets to keep them occupied while we work. I mean actively creating time and space for them to play, choosing the right kinds of play that enrich their lives.
?Play isn’t just a pastime for children; it’s a fundamental way they learn about themselves and the world around them. It fosters cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth, shaping who they become. As the UK’s NHS notes, “Playing improves cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being. Through play, children learn the skills they need for study, work, and relationships, such as confidence.”
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Christmas is a magical time that children eagerly anticipate, dreaming of gifts, new clothes, and the joy of the season. Yet, for many kids, especially in Ghana, this joy is a distant dream. Poverty steals Christmas year after year, leaving some children to watch from the sidelines as others revel in new clothes, toys, and trips to exciting playgrounds. Instead of basking in the festive cheer, they’re still hawking goods to support their parents or passing through the season like any other month.
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It isn't always about financial constraints for families in rural and peri-urban communities; it’s sometimes a lack of intention. The opportunity for their children to enjoy the festive season with friends, neighbours, or even classmates is missed.
This is where Every Kid Deserves Christmas steps in. Our annual event is dedicated to closing these gaps because we believe that no child should miss out on the joy of Christmas simply due to hardship. We stand against the life challenges that rob children of their right to play, to be happy, and to grow through social interactions with other kids. This passion drives us forward.
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What makes us unique? While people focus on just the needy, we strive to create opportunities for “every” child. We believe that uniting kids irrespective of their backgrounds will help foster a world of better inclusion. For the past three years, we have gathered increasing numbers of children from peri-urban communities—and soon rural ones—at Christmas. We create lasting memories through games, gift-giving, choreographies, and festive meals, offering a place for joy and togetherness that endures in their hearts.
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In 2024, as we prepare for our third edition, we aim to go even bigger. In 2022, we celebrated with 120 children. In 2023, that number grew to 250. This year, we aim to reach 400 children, especially from lower- and middle-income households. The joy and successes of previous years would not have been possible without the generosity of friends, family, and community members. Imagine how much more we could achieve with your support.
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What are you waiting for? Your help—whether financial, in the form of toys, or educational gifts for children aged 1 to 15—can make all the difference. Every contribution brings us closer to lighting up a child’s face with a smile this Christmas. The memories you help create will be priceless and unforgettable.
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Please get involved by contacting us on
Phone: +233 552 914 915 or
Email: [email protected].
You can also visit our social media to see images and videos from previous years' celebrations:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ekdchristmas/
Click here to see the detailed project proposal for this year: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sTaaM4irtU4oSqKcdDQwI_XoWwQSz_nq/view?usp=sharing
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Remember, play is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Let’s not deny children the joy of being children.