UNGA’s movement for good continues. After a great start in May supporting children in Ghana, UNGA kept moving with motivation throughout June.

Last month, our goal was to support Right To Play in the Middle East so that children in that part of the world can benefit from the power of play and stay healthy, safe, and mentally strong, despite lockdown measures.

Right To Play, Scooch and UNGA: How we collaborate

Through the Scooch app, every UNGA employee can track their movement and physical activity, for which the app generates points. The more active an employee, the more points awarded by Scooch. Ultimately, these points translate into rewards for children in Right To Play programs.

With Covid-19 disabling most of the public sports clubs, and UNGA employees continuing to work from home, the initiative was met with great enthusiasm by the team. For many, it was the extra push of motivation they needed to stay engaged with an active lifestyle.

“Even if this quote was anonymous, colleagues would know that it’s me,” says UNGA’s Managing Partner Hong Liem as he laughs. “I’m 110 kg and although I haven’t really lost weight yet, Scooch reminds me to stay active, and thus, at least I didn’t gain weight during the lockdown. A great result for me! That, combined with doing something good for kids and sharing the fun with colleagues, makes this a great initiative!”

With UNGA employees’ participation in May and June, here is what we have proudly achieved so far:

• 259 radio broadcasts for kids with information and playful ways to stay mentally and physically fit during the Covid-19 crisis;
• 247 play cards, with instructions for games and hygiene guidelines for families;
• 213 hand-washing games, created to help contain the spread of Covid-19;
• 176 home or remote visits from Right To Play volunteer coaches and teachers who work to support the kids, families, and community, always using the power of play.

UNGA’s focus in June: Supporting children in the Middle East

In the Middle East, Right To Play has programs in Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine. The organization uses the power of play to protect, educate, and empower children to rise above adversity and help their communities build back stronger.

Children in the Middle East are among the most vulnerable people in the world, and many see their safety and future threatened by Covid-19. Watch Right To Play expert Aamina Adham explain the situation many young girls in the Middle East could face.

During the lockdown, fulfilling its mission has become significantly more challenging for Right To Play. Weekly play activities with local, volunteer coaches are mostly canceled. Luckily, Right To Play is constantly working on new ways of helping children. With the use of national TV, for example, they can still reach children with physical activity videos that keep them learning and strong, using their unique play-based approach. More than 1.4 million children between grades 1 and 12 have been able to stay healthy and active because of these broadcasted distance lessons. This shows the importance of Right To Play’s actions and encourages us at UNGA to support them fully.

Right To Play and UNGA: Connected by values

UNGA’s partner Right To Play is a non-profit organization with a mission to educate, protect, and empower children in disadvantaged communities through the power of play. The organization helps children affected by conflict, disease, and poverty in 15 different countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Every year, Right To Play reaches 2.35 million children with its activities.

UNGA and Right To Play share the common belief in the power of play and recognize the importance of children’s safety and playful upbringing. This year marks Right To Play’s 20^th anniversary, and we could not be prouder to join them in celebrating all the impact the play programs have. That is why our initiative continues through July, with moving for children worldwide.

To know more about Right To Play’s programs, please visit their website.