The DFC Children Want to Add Beauty to the World Ifrane, Morocco Restricting children’s access to nature, movement and socialization undermines their development and learning. The DFC children felt that they had limited access to movement, human connection, and nature. Increasingly, their parents kept them indoors, restricting their access to nature and healthy outdoor play. In addition, they spent eight long hours every day at school, more time than anywhere else except home. However, a large fraction of this time was devoted to learning in formal settings and highly structured activities. Actually, the school lacked outdoor playgrounds and sport facilities. These young change makers wanted to construct a playground where they could play social games such as jump rode. They also wanted to paint interior and exterior school walls with bright and vibrant colors to add life to classrooms. Consequently, they organized a fundraising activity to buy paint, trees, flowers and outdoor playsets. They designed and created colorful handmade postcards and sold them. Nearly 100 children took part in this ongoing effort to make their school a more beautiful place. Ahmed said: "I will paint scenes of a sunset with stars to look like sky. Sky is very beautiful". A sweet smile lit up children’s faces when they saw their ideas and drawings come to life. Both teachers and parents were amazed by the work they have done. The paintings, the evergreen trees and the flowers have added vibrancy and color to the school. Now, the DFC children spend more time in play and other free time activities. Father of 8 year old Ahmed said that he has realised the importance of nature and outdoor in optimizing children’s development and learning and is proud to see his son making a change. The DFC children learned and taught others in their communities that they have the power to add beauty to the world.

The DFC children made hundreds of colorful postcards for the fundraising event

The DFC children painting school walls