While here in Edinburgh I was introduced to a fellow called David Hardie. As a semi retired lawyer David is now involved in a philanthropic organisation called 'Inspiring Scotland'. I met him here at a social occasion and once we got talking about his work I realized that I wanted to know more. He very kindly set up a meeting with himself and his colleague Eilidh Chalmers.
As has become a common experience on this trip I was within the presence of an incredible inspiration, vision and passion. The people within this organisation are there to make a difference in the lives of kids and I'd like to tell you about it. I hope I can do justice to the work they are doing in this blog entry. Please refer to their website if this prompts further interest, it is well worth a look.
www.inspiringscotland.org.uk
What initially sparked my interest in talking to David was the concept of getting children out to play. Inspiring Scotland funds a variety of worthwhile projects and initiatives that support children and young people, including a Go2Play fund that invests in play ventures.
If you are reading this blog you probably have an understanding of the importance of play in children's lives. One thing that excited and impressed me was in talking to David and Eilidth, here were two executives who 'got' play. Their background is not education, not early childhood, but they understand the fundamental importance of play in children's lives and that it is not just for fun, it's vital. Because governments are recognizing the economic advantages of a healthy society and that play sets these foundations, organizations such as Inspiring Scotland exist.
Go2Play is an investment in play ventures. This involves community charities in coming forward with innovative play ideas. David told me of one community that had a woodland within its environs, but it was used as a place for drinking and drugs. This space was reclaimed by children who went there regularly with 'Play Rangers', adults who facilitate free play, and it is now an attractive place that all can access within the community. This reclaiming of green spaces is happening in other places too, and play rangers is a growing phenomenon. Other ventures have included schools, where playgrounds are becoming 'grounds for learning', being developed into more natural spaces that provide for open ended free play. Playgrounds are changing, involving the voices of children, janitors, parents and school staff. All that become involved learn to articulate the benefits of play. The funding provided comes with clear expectations and rigorous evaluation, so outcomes are monitored. An evaluation of each venture along with support, advice, training, capacity building and mentoring promotes its success and its future. Where does the money come from? I'm glad you asked. Some of it comes from philanthropists, individuals and organizations who want to invest their money into the future good of society. Because the money is managed so well and the outcomes are so effective, the government in Scotland also invests large sums of money.
The whole exercise is not just grant giving. It comes with targets, plans and engaged support that works within the context of each community venture. It was disappointing to hear that not many private donors are interested in funding play. It still has a perceived element of frivolity in it that is hard to compete with more regular charities and what is considered more dire needs such as drug and alcohol support or crime prevention strategies. I think our societies have a lot to learn about the value of play for children and beyond. The results from these ventures are collected as data to show the effectiveness of the programs, and there is much international research that shows how vital play is. The challenge for those of us that understand the play ethos is to defend and advocate for play, not only for our littlies but for older children as well.
Why is play so hard to defend?
I wish to thank David and Eilidh for their time and interest in what I'm investigating here in the UK, and for giving me their very special take on it. I would dearly love to see this sort of thing happening in Australia and such things always start with an idea, a passion and a vision. It's another little seed planted in my head, and maybe yours?
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