Right To Play Newsletter - Celebrating 25 Years!

Today is International Day of Education!

Igniting Learning Minds in Lebanon

Education is more than just a right; it’s a lifeline. For 1.3 million children in Lebanon, this lifeline is being threatened by conflict, economic instability, and displacement. Shockingly, 30% of school-aged kids have dropped out, and literacy rates are plummeting.

Thanks to a transformative grant from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we’re proud to launch the Igniting Learning Minds (ILM) Project to empower children through education.

Over the next 12 months, we will work in Beirut and Bekaa to:

• Directly benefit 450 children, ages 6–14, helping them improve their literacy, well-being, and resilience.
• Renovate 2 education centers and 6 classrooms to create safe, inclusive environments for learning.
• Train 30 teachers to use play-based and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies that inspire and engage students.
• Equip 100 parents with tools to actively support their children’s education at home.

On this International Day of Education, join us in celebrating the power of learning and its ability to transform lives. Together, with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , we are committed to ensuring children can reclaim their right to learn, grow, and dream.

Thank you to our Country Director Racha Nasreddine and Right to Play Lebanon for their incredible dedication to empowering children through play. ????

Hope for Children in Gaza

The ceasefire in Gaza brings a moment of hope for families and children who have endured unimaginable struggles. Thousands of children in Gaza have lived through a never-before-seen crisis. Many have lost family, fled their homes, and are struggling without access to basic needs like water, food, and safety. The fear and trauma of daily violence will leave lasting scars.

Right To Play has been working in Gaza since 2009, helping children cope with trauma and rebuild their futures through play and education. During this crisis, we are focused on providing:

• Play-based psychosocial support to help children process trauma, express emotions, and find hope.
• Educational kits to help children continue learning.
• Safe classrooms where they can heal and grow when the crisis ends.

Your donation can help us provide critical support for children and help them rebuild their futures in Gaza.

DONATE TO THE CHILDREN’S EMERGENCY FUND

25 Years of Impact Through Play

25 years ago, Right To Play began with a single mission: to protect, educate, and empower children through the power of play.

Since our founding in 2000, we have reached millions of children in 47 countries. With the support of donors, partners, and a global community, we have:

• Helped children stay in school and succeed.
• Fostered resilience and healing in times of crisis.
• Advocated for the rights of children everywhere.

As we reflect on our journey, we celebrate the countless lives changed and communities empowered by our programs. Our commitment to children’s rights and potential is stronger than ever.

Join us in celebrating 25 years of impact and learn more about our journey here! ??

CHANGING THE GAME: DELA’S STORY

“WHEN I SEE MY STUDENTS LEARNING IN A PLAYFUL WAY, I FEEL SO FULFILLED BECAUSE, FOR A VERY LONG TIME, THE JOY OF LEARNING WASN’T THERE.” – DELA, TEACHER

Dela says she was skeptical at first of the idea of play-based learning at first. She questioned how play could help in the serious work of learning. But she decided to keep an open mind. The first time she used play in her classroom, she saw a change in the students: instead of being bored and distracted, they were happy and relaxed. Even those who usually sat quietly on their own were laughing with others. So she kept going. As her students became more engaged, she stopped needing to turn to harsh disciplinary measures. She started to feel happier and more relaxed.

READ DELA'S STORY HERE!