The importance of play in a digital era

The importance of play in a digital era

The importance of play in a digital era

When I think back to the playful part of my childhood, I have fond memories of making “mud cakes”, playing “tok-tokkie”, hiding-go-seek in neighbours gardens and climbing their trees. You could also freely ride your bicycle by yourself and around the block with your friends. Needless to say I had my childhood days during the 1980’s… fast forward 40 plus years and children’s freedom and desire to play outside has diminished due to increased awareness of various societal dangers along with the development of technology. For the Gen Z’s (children born 1996 -2010) they were born into the era of the smartphone, while Generation Alpha (children born after 2010) are deemed as being “digitally-native” as they don’t know a life without technology and the smartphone. 

For many Gen Z’s and Gen Alpha’s their first toy was a smartphone. Even though there are many positives to the development of technology and the use of digital devices, when we look at the impact this has had on child development and children’s go-to play medium there is research that suggests that technology can be a distraction for children and can lead to unhealthy habits such as spending too much time on devices and not enough time engaging in physical activity. This can further negatively impact their overall physical and mental well-being.

Why is play important?

Play is essential for children’s development and well-being. It helps children learn important skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking. Play encourages creativity, physical health, and social-emotional development. Through play, children learn to express themselves, build relationships, and gain self-esteem. Play also helps children develop a sense of identity, explore their environment, and practice life skills such as sharing and cooperation. Providing a variety of play activities helps children explore their environment and develop a sense of identity.

What are the different types of play?
The different types of play include physical play, creative play, imaginative play, role-play, and social play. 

  • Physical play involves activities such as climbing, running, and hopping. 
  • Creative play involves activities such as drawing, painting, and making music. 
  • Imaginative play involves activities such as make-believe and pretending. 
  • Role-play involves activities such as playing dress-up and pretending to be someone else. 
  • Social play involves activities such as board games, card games and hiding-go-seek.

How can I encourage my child to play?

Play time with your child does not require you to buy your child expensive toys or taking them to various play places to make it effective. Think about what made your childhood fun and what you enjoyed playing with most.

Some tips to help guide you on having playtime with your child:

  1. Set a fixed time once a week for combine play time e.g. 30min (it can be more). Your child will start looking forward to this time. 
  2. Make sure you have put your smartphone down so that it is not a distraction.
  3. Introduce your child to age-appropriate different types of play mediums as they grow.
  4. Encourage your child to engage in using their imagination and playing with things you have in the house. The aim is not for you to spend large amounts of money on toys. 
  5. Joyfully engage with your child and allow them to lead the play, allowing you to view the world from their perspective.
  6. Expose your child to different play times, such as combine play time with you, play time with friends, family play time (Friday night board game night) and also encourage them to have alone play time such as reading, building puzzles, colouring in, or playing with playdough. 

Playful exploration is a child’s natural way of learning, as parents we need to ensure that we are providing our children with the opportunity to actively engage in play allowing them to use their innate skills in a digital era. Put play time on your to do list. Laughing and having fun through play boosts the overall well-being of both children and adults, leading to a happier family. Happy playing!

For more play ideas have a look at: https://learningthroughplay.com/let-s-play

Fostering Conference

Fostering Conference

FOSTERING

Fostering Conference

KIN Culture and Kibwe Kids would like to take this opportunity to extend an invitation to attend our Fostering Conference that will be hosted on the 10th of March 2018 at Doxa Deo Langeberg Church in Durbanville, Western Cape.

This conference will cover topics such as:

  • The need for foster care in South Africa
  • The fostering screening process
  • The rights and responsibilities of foster parents
  • Blended families
  • Connecting with your foster child
  • How you can get involved

For more information or to register, visit our EVENTS page.

How to become a Safety/Foster Parent

How to become a Safety/Foster Parent

FOSTERING | LEGAL | SAFE CARE
How To Become A Safety/ Foster Parent

Safety & Foster Care Process

Kin Culture is a community built around caring for orphaned and vulnerable children. For many people making a difference or contributing to the cause of children in South Africa might seem like a far off dream. Kin Culture is creating opportunities for people to get involved in child care. One of the ways in which you can get involved is by signing up to become a prospective safety- or foster parent.

 Process for Prospective Safety or Foster Parent(s):

1. Apply for police clearance

a. You need R114 cash, ID, proof of address

b. Complete paperwork at SAPS office

c. Mail/Courier paperwork to Pta and back

2. Obtain a form 30 from your Designated Child Protection Organisation,

a. Send completed form 30 with certified copy of ID to National Child Protection Register in Pretoria

3. Decide whether you want to do safety or foster care.

4. Contact your Designated Child Protection Organisation for screening, home visit and report.

5. Once screened and cleared by your Designated Child Protection Organisation children can by placed in your care through the Children’s court.

Taking part in the future of children in South Africa can become a reality.

For more information or to get involved, contact our social worker at [email protected]

Kin Culture comes to Johannesburg

Kin Culture comes to Johannesburg

EVENTS | 16 AUGUST 2017

Kin Culture Comes To Johannesburg

My School Sign-Up

 

During the course of 2017 KIN Culture has been on a MyVillage mission. We have managed to partner with more than 600 people  who have all added KIN Culture as a beneficiary on their MySchool (MyVillage) cards. Over the next two weeks are expanding our efforts to the hustle and bustle of Jo’burg.

If you are in the area or have family and friends who would like to give us some love, then pop in at any of the locations below:

  • Hyde Park Centre – Woolworths, 17 August – 09:00 – 15:00
  • Rosebank Mall – Woolworths, 18 August  – 08:00 – 15:00
  • Roodepoort Lifestyle Crossing – Woolworths Food , 19 August   – 09:00 – 15:00
  • Ferndale Canterbury Crossing – Woolworths Food ,  21 August  – 09:00 – 15:00
  • Cresta Centre – Woolworths, 22 August 09:00 – 15:00
  • Broadacres – Woolworths Food,  09:00 – 15:00

Here’s how it works: Sign-up with for a MySchool/MyVillage/MyPlanet card with KIN Culture as a beneficiary and a percentage of your purchases at Woolworths, Toys ‘R Us, Waltons and other partner stores  will go towards placing vulnerable children in loving homes within our community. Easy as that, no strings attached.

For more info contact our office on [email protected]  or 083 270 7774

Kin Update

Kin Update

FOSTERING | 3 SEPTEMBER 2017

Kin Culture Update

2014 has seen KIN Culture take shape. During the first half of the year we have taken KIN Culture to many boardrooms, offices and coffee shops. God is faithful. We have been able to share this vision with many people. We are busy with the groundwork. Very soon we will be ready to hit the road running.

You are looking at our most exciting news, our website. Thank you Joanne from ‘Pretty Pretty’, we are really chuffed with our new online home. We recently had an awesome photo shoot at Roodebloem Studios in Woodstock with ‘Shoot and Create’ and ‘Kikitography’. Your fingerprints are all over KIN Culture, thanks for working with us. We were blessed with awesome volunteer kids and parents who helped us out in this shoot. Thank you. Dankie. Nkosi.

 

We have recently registered as a Non-Profit Company now we are in the process of registering as a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO), putting the finishing touches to our business plan and extending our involvement in the community. We are privileged to be taking hands with STOP (anti human trafficking organisation), “House of Grace” and “Abaphumeleli” orphanage.

At KIN Culture we believe that giving generously is one of the values of God’s Kingdom. Our aim is to give as much as we can, including a percentage of our monthly income to other organisations.
Thank you to everyone who has given to this cause. We have been blessed with companies and individuals who believe in this vision as much as we do. Thank you for partnering with us right from the start. Every email, meeting and Facebook like means the world to us.

Lombardo Family

Lombardo Family

KIN STORIES

Lombardo Family

We recently met with Timothy and Candice Lombardo. This Cape Town couple are passionate about adoption. After opting for adoption they started preparing to receive their child, but on the other hand God was also preparing them for their child. You’ll be inspired by their story. 

My husband and I had always spoken of adopting, but had planned to explore that option after we had two biological children. Our plans are however not God’s plans and after a year of unsuccessful attempts and another year of fertility testing we were told our only option would be to have IVF or more specifically ISCI. After a period of screaming, laughing and crying, we both decided that we wanted to be parents and not necessarily be pregnant to reach that goal. We decided to skip fertility treatment and went straight to the adoption agency to begin the adoption process.

After many hours of research, we approached Procare and officially began the process. After our initial meeting, my husband had a dream that we had a little girl with curly brown hair (I took it as a sign that maybe God would bless us with a biological daughter, as we did not put down a specific gender for our adoption). A few weeks later my sister approached me and said she also had a dream that we had a daughter with curly brown hair! I just kept writing everything down in my journal, trying not to get my hopes up. In this time the name Isabella just resonated with me. The beauty of its meaning and origin struck me and I knew that should we ever have a girl I would name her Isabella.

Fast forward to 9 months after we had our first meeting and we got the call that changed our lives forever. There was a little girl for us and after the matching meeting (where we saw pics of her and her history, there was no doubt that this was our daughter). And so our daughter Isabella who has curly brown hair and eyes is now 2.5 yrs old and the centre of our lives (besides Jesus of course). She is independent, strong-willed and knows what she wants. She loves to dance and sing and has amazing compassion for all living things. I know this little girl is going to do something awesome with her life and God is definitely going to use her to be a mover and a shaker.

I know this little girl is going to do something awesome with her life and God is definitely going to use her to be a mover and a shaker.

Like this story? Why not head over to kincultureshop.org to view our unique range of #productwithacause. Your purchase is an investment in the life of a child.

 

This is Home

This is Home

FUNDRAISING
This is Home
What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.

Ever heard this saying? Whatever the case might be, this is not true for family. Home is a place where we are loved, where we feel safe, be ourselves, grow, eat, drink, play. Families and especially children take ‘home’ with them. How they feel, what they’ve experienced and whether they’ve been loved.

The opposite of this ideal also exists. Many children in South Africa aren’t being loved. Safety is not the norm. Food and drink are not a daily occurrence. Among the worst cases are children sleeping on the street, having to scratch around for a few crumbs to eat or run from danger.

In South Africa every child has the right to a home. One where they are safe and are cared for. This idea has been written into our constitution. At KIN Culture we believe in home and family as some of the most important factors in a child’s life. If we can place children in a home with a family who loves them, where they are fed and nurtured then we have taken a big step towards giving them a great future. In addition to this they will have the opportunity to learn and grow – something which is made possible when they have love and safety at home.

KIN Culture Shop also stocks a wide range of quality, locally made goods. The aim is to provide people with skills and opportunities to craft these beautiful ceramics, linen and canvas products. When you buy one of these products you are contributing towards building a home for vulnerable children in the Western Cape.

Getting Education Right

Getting Education Right

KIN STORIES | LEGAL | CARE

Getting Education Right

Freedom leaves us with a responsibility. The South African landscape has seen monumental changes over the last number of years. The future of a generation is cradled in what we do with our freedom. One of the pillars of society is education.

The right to learn, the responsibility to teach

  • Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.  
  • Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.  
  • Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.  

Article 26 – UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights

It is one thing to have the right to education. It is another thing to have the means to exercise that right. Many vulnerable children do not necessarily have the support structure of a functional family or nurturing community. Without this network of care and support, a young child will struggle to benefit from this basic human right.

In the light of Human Rights Day, it is important to also think about the responsibility we have towards these children.

 

If they have the right to learn, we have the responsibility to teach, and to do what we can to provide an environment within which they can benefit from their basic human right to education.

It is one of the hopes we have at KinCulture. To be able to provide a nurturing environment for vulnerable children where they have the support they need to benefit from their basic human rights, especially also their right to education.

Read more on how you can join is in taking up our responsibility to secure their rights.

Without this network of care and support, a young child will struggle to benefit from this basic human right.

Children’s Rights, Our Responsibility

Children’s Rights, Our Responsibility

CARE | LEGAL

Children’s Rights, Our Responsibility

Children are one of South Africa’s greatest commodities. If you have been anywhere outside of your house over the past few years you would know that a lot of the “big people talk” had something to do with politics, the petrol price, corruption and the state of our nation. What about the rights of our children?

According to section 28 of the constitution of South Africa, every child has the right:

  • to family care or parental care, or to appropriate alternative care when removed from the family environment;
  •  to basic nutrition, shelter, basic health care services and social services;
  • to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation;

(extract from LeadSA website , see their website for the full list)

These rights become our responsibility. Children should be nurtured in families; not left to their own devices. Basic nutrition should be normal. In many cases children from entire schools are receiving only one meal per day. The children aren’t fasting or catching the latest social media craze – this is all they have. Do we even look at the child’s right to be protected from abuse? The 7 o’clock news is enough to make you wonder at times.

KIN Culture believes that children  are filled with loads of potential. Our aim is to place every child in a home with a loving family. Receive basic care. Three meals a day, access to medical facilities and a community who believes in them is part of the KIN Culture DNA.

A bright future is held in the hands of our children.

 

Le Roux Family – A Dad’s View

Le Roux Family – A Dad’s View

KIN STORIES

Le Roux Family – A Dad’s View

Everyone loves a story. Hearing about other’s experiences entertains, inspires and possibly leaves us with some food for thought at the end. Listening to the Le Roux family’s account of adopting Lukas into their family will probably do all of the above. Up next is Willem. You’ll enjoy reading his part of the story.

I am in some respects the opposite to my beautiful, fun-loving, caring wife. I am quite serious and I like being in control, which the Lord is curing through our children. I was therefore quite nervous when Melissa was pregnant with our first daughter. Suffice to say God has absolutely blown my mind with the capacity that He has created in my heart to love our little mini-me’s!

Nonetheless, as Melissa explained, going through the process to adopt a child was with a dash of trepidation for the unknown. As time passed, the excitement grew on my side as well, feeling a sense of purpose and confident knowing that this was exactly what God wants for Melissa and I to do.

Early on in the process I wondered about the risk was of adopting a child that I might struggle to bond with. However, in wrestling with the Lord, I gained full confidence that my faith and trust could be in our loving Heavenly Father, who gives every good and perfect gift. I never looked back after that.

It did help to have Melissa pouring out her love and affection on Lukas on the day we got him – it took the pressure off me, being slower to respond on the emotions. What I can say is that this little “beertjie” of mine is my first choice, firstborn son and there is no backup plan. I love him so much and I am tempted to convince everyone to adopt a son. He is a source of constant joy, has an infectious laugh and zest for life which inspires me.

Melissa said that adopting Lukas was exactly the same as having biological kids. I fully agree. I would caution everyone going through the same process to drop your expectations, trust God that He is not confused about who He will place in your care and allow yourself to be excited at the prospect of being part of God’s plan for this world. And of course the biggest privilege is to do life with a spirit-being, created by God, with a perfect plan for his or her life and to impart something of God’s way in that spirit.

However, in wrestling with the Lord, I gained full confidence that my faith and trust could be in our loving Heavenly Father, who gives every good and perfect gift. I never looked back after that.

Le Roux Family – A Mom’s View

Le Roux Family – A Mom’s View

KIN STORIES

Le Roux Family

KIN Culture values family. We are privileged to be connected to many volunteers, families and churches. We believe that family is the fabric of a healthy community, by which we are woven together. For this very reason adoption is at the top of our list.

Willem, Melissa, Mia, Lisa and Lukas are a family from the northern suburbs of Cape Town and have connected with KIN Culture as volunteers. We find their adoption story inspiring and hope that many others will follow suit as we do our bit in building a safe South Africa for our children.

Not many things in this world compares to a mother’s heart and Melissa’s version is an apt reflection. You can come back in a bit for dad’s version ?

I have wanted to adopt from a young age. I love being practical about my faith and so adoption, with my natural love for kids, has just always seemed an obvious way to react to the social issues in our country and the call God places on us to take care of the orphans in our community. I am also an idealist so when I heard the stats that said, should each individual who call themselves Christian, adopt one child we would eradicate the need for orphanages. It was this beautiful idea that finalised my decision that I would adopt some day.

This said, I then met Willem, a man after God’s own heart, but when talking about the possibility of adoption I realized that it was something he had not thought about at all. Rather than badger him about the topic before we got married I felt I should trust God to place the desire to adopt in his heart.

We had been married for two years when we visited my mom’s church one Sunday morning. The pastor made an altar-call for those standing in faith for family members and as a family we all went forward for a family situation we were going through at the time. When we drove home, Willem told me that while he was in front of the church he felt God asking him if he would adopt a child. Willem committed that day to the Lord that he would. Thankfully I married an honourable man whose yes is his yes.

When we started our family planning, we decided that we would like to have two biological children before adopting. The excitement grew as the years went by.

It was with great excitement that we contacted ProCare in Wellington towards the end of 2015. We wanted the gap between our second and third child to be about two years.The process took us just short of 9 months before we got our call that our baby would be waiting for us on our return of a June Holiday in 2016. I felt as if we had waited an eternity.

On the 12th of June, we went to pick up Lukas Willem Sibusiso (the names we gave him). Our dream came true. Not only for us but for his two sisters. They simply adore their baby brother.

I had been praying for Lukas for many years by now, but I believe that God showed me that we are primarily spiritual beings before we are soul and body. I therefore regularly prayed that his spirit, which isn’t bound by time or space, would never have experienced being orphaned. He has always been wanted, dreamt of and hoped for. He has always been our son.

I can truly say that the adoption process is so similar to having biological children. The waves of emotion, the elation and the fears, how tired you get at times, the pride and the unconditional extravagant love is all the same.

Lukas was smiling the day we picked him up and hasn’t stopped, except when we are late with his food. A typical boy.

That first night home I remember cuddling him, all sorts of ‘what if’ questions popped up into my mind, I entrusted all those fears to the Lord that night and without exception have experienced Him completely dispelling all my anxious thoughts.

I can truly say that the adoption process is so similar to having biological children. The waves of emotion, the elation and the fears, how tired you get at times, the pride and the unconditional extravagant love is all the same.

We have an amazing family and community around us who have been as excited to make Lukas part of their lives and as with our older children, which has made this part of our life story an even greater joy.

I have also learnt to enjoy the connection Lukas and I have with the outside world. At first it made me uneasy and protective that people would look in our direction when we were in the public. I quickly realised that people are curious. It would be a waste of my emotional energy if I chose to be offended at every glance. My more relaxed approach to lingering stares has led to the most wonderful chats with perfect strangers. I love seeing how our baby boy’s smile disarms the most fervent critic. He is changing the world already and he is only 10 months old.