The Power of Play in Indonesia

In July this year, the Child and Community centre in Aceh, Indonesia, celebrated yet another successful playscheme. Seven Body Shop staff from Singapore, Hong Kong and Indonesia joined the children of Neuhen, for a fun filled ten days of smiles, laughter, excitement and activity. 

The enthusiastic and passionate volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got involved straight away with the creative, sporting and educational activities on offer.

The power of play was more obvious than ever, with children enjoying themselves, expressing themselves, sharing, cooperating and communicating with each other, as well as with the volunteers and their teachers. The infectious laughter and smiles of the children carried on throughout the ten days, with over 250 children taking part in games to celebrate Children's day.

Everyone had a fantastic time, and the volunteers saw how such simple things could enrich a child's life so easily. The record 18 cartons of supplies the volunteers brought with them will last the centre over six months, and ensure the volunteers help goes beyond their short visit.

Observing Aceh, the volunteers put into perspective their reasons for helping on the playscheme. Although the tsunami is in the past, the effects of the disaster still remain, and the volunteer's short visit is only a part of the fantastic work that the team in Aceh continue to do.