Changing Stories
Because all children have the right to play
The current Dutch policy on asylum impacts many children living in asylum centres and emergency shelters. They often have very few opportunities to play. Yet playing is essential for a child’s well-being and development. With this in mind, Changing Stories visits asylum accommodation across Europe, providing activities such as theatre and games.
Every child has the right to play. It is for good reason that this right features in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, a treaty that the Netherlands also signed at the time. Children do not only play for enjoyment; it also provides them with an opportunity to develop emotional control, learn self-expression and mature into healthy adults. Unfortunately, they often struggle with this in these reception centres. There are few occasions to laugh, let their imaginations run wild or play together.
Courage and self-confidence
Changing Stories takes a stand against this injustice and is doing something about it. Its team of theatre makers and performers, who are trained in trauma-sensitive practices, travel to the reception centres. There, they use theatre and play activities to make life a little brighter for the children. At the same time, they tap into the children’s imagination and resilience. ‘Time and time again, we see how these children relax, grow bolder and regain their self-confidence,’ says the organisation.
Better understanding
The project will reach 2,000 children in Dutch reception centres within two years. However, it does more than that. Changing Stories is also visiting primary schools and further educational colleges. During these visits, the team share their experiences with pupils, students and teachers. Not only do they foster a better understanding of displaced children, but they also encourage them to take the initiative and assist these children, much like Changing Stories does.