Miss Malaika 2024 rallies support for inclusive play and learning
Chiefs, teachers, parents, and other community leaders have been urged to create inclusive environments where every child—regardless of ability—has the opportunity to learn, play, and thrive.
Emphasising the vital role of play in a child’s development, Miss Malaika 2024, Lucille Naa Kwaley King, noted that play is not just a source of joy for children but a powerful tool for early learning, social inclusion, and the identification of developmental challenges such as autism.
This call was made by Ms King ahead of this year’s Right to Play Day celebration, scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Henry House Community School in Ho, Volta Region.
“Children learn more when they feel safe, seen, and supported, and play is one of the earliest ways they express themselves. We must not deny any child that right,” she said.
This year’s event will bring together about 400 schoolchildren for a day of expert panel discussions, inclusive games, and awareness sessions on the importance of play in learning. The event will also feature Dr Vannessa Aseye Atikpu, Medical Doctor (MD), and Mama Numanyavor II, Queen Mother of Kpenoe.
As a passionate advocate for child development, Ms King is leading this year’s Right to Play Day initiative, a flagship programme of the GUBA Foundation. She explained that her decision to collaborate with the Foundation stems from her commitment to use her platform as a queen for impact beyond pageantry.
“It’s not just about wearing a crown; it’s about using the platform to speak for those whose voices are often ignored. That’s why I’ve partnered with the GUBA Foundation to reach schools, parents, and communities with this message.”
Participating organisations include Embrace the Spectrum, Touch of Hope Foundation, and the True Light Foundation, all of which advocate for children with disabilities.
The GUBA Foundation is calling on all stakeholders to remember that play is a right, not a luxury—a gateway to inclusion, creativity, and unlocking the potential of every child.
