On June 26th, we brought the community together at Henry House Community School, Ho in the Volta Region for a vibrant celebration of the International Day of Play. This memorable event brought together over 400 children, educators, volunteers, health professionals, and community leaders to celebrate the power of inclusive play and raise awareness about autism.

The event commenced with a powerful opening address delivered on behalf of Mama Numanyavor II, Queen Mother of Kpenoe, whose words echoed the importance of nurturing children’s potential through play, awareness, and collective community support.

One of the highlights of the day was an insightful panel discussion featuring:

• Vanessa Aseye, Medical Doctor (MD)
• Lucille Naakwaley King, Miss Malaika Ghana 2024, and
• Makafui Fiagbe, Representative from the Ghana Education Service (GES).
  
  

Together, they explored how education, health, and advocacy intersect to create a more inclusive environment for children and also children with special needs. Their insights were both empowering and solution-driven, inspiring the audience to take action within their own communities.

Following the panel, attendees were treated to an engaging presentation from the Smiles for Speech team, who demonstrated practical ways to support speech and language development in children. This session was especially impactful for the educators and caregivers present.

The energy soared as students from the participating schools showcased their talents through choreographed dance performances and powerful poem recitals, each piece emphasizing themes of inclusion, identity, and dreams for the future.

The day wrapped up with a spirited soccer match, which saw two of the five schools present take to the field in a friendly yet competitive game that had everyone cheering. While only two schools played, all the students joined in the excitement, affirming the day’s message: every child deserves a chance to play, learn, and thrive.