My name is Linda Rogers and I am a teacher currently sharing my time between Nelson and Mumbai, India. While in India I volunteer in a cluster of seven schools all based in one very crowded, poor area of the city. The schools are called Muktangan and they educate 3,500 children. I train teachers, advise on programs and help in any other way I can.

This academic year the schools are prioritising providing opportunities for quality play to their children. These children are all very poor and come from homes in the slums. There is no space to play at home and certainly no quality toys to play with. We all know that playing is a child’s work, yet these children do not have the opportunity to play. In Indian schools learning tends to focus on facts; opportunities to develop imagination, problem solving skills and creativity is limited. Playing with quality educational toys, games and puzzles will go a long way to changing that.

Two of the schools are already up and running with twice weekly play opportunities for every class. The children are engaging with quality games, puzzles and construction kits (see attached photo). But the rest of the schools must wait as there are not enough toys to cover all seven schools.

I am hoping to take five suitcases full of quality second hand puzzles, games and construction kits (LEGO and the like) back with me mid September. I am hoping the equipment I bring back to India will allow one more of the schools to add play to the time table.

Any donations please leave at the Saint Paul's School office or alternatively contact Linda Rogers on  027 541 0876.

Let’s help children in the slums of Mumbai learn through fun and exploration by facilitating the donation of toys and games that Nelson children have finished playing with. 

Thank you for your support.

Linda Rogers