What is dignity?
To Irene, a primary school student in Ghana, dignity is,"respecting one's self and others even in difficult situations."
To the children in our programs in the Mae La Refugee Camp in Thailand, dignity is,"having access to basic necessities such as, food and water."
Which definition is right?
All of them.
Everyone has the right to dignity, regardless of their race, colour, gender or religious beliefs. It also has a different meaning to different people.
We all define, express and celebrate it differently, it's what unites us.
Through our play-based programs, each week more than 1 million kids take part in events and activities in 18 countries that teach and celebrate the value of dignity in a fun, engaging way.
Just ask Abu Aziz, a 24 year-old student in Jordan's Husn Camp who was born with Down Syndrome.
Football is more than just a game to Abu, it's his passion. But because of his disability, he was always hesitant to play. That changed after Abu joined our Football for Development program, which helped him improve his concentration, build self-confidence and strengthen his communication skills.
Shortly after joining the program, Abu was invited to participate in a football tournament promoting fair play, respect and teamwork, at a local university. He quickly became the centre of attention after the Coaches and players noticed his skill and enthusiasm for the sport.
Even players on opposing teams cheered Abu on as he played. His team won first place in the tournament thanks to two goals from the star player. Because he joined our program, Abu is the player he wants to be and has acceptance from his peers. Now, he finally considers himself "one of the boys."
To Abu, dignity is inclusion and acceptance.
Like Abu, 14-year-old Christine from Cotonou, Benin, also experienced a defining moment that captured what dignity means to her.
Growing up blind, Christine was ashamed of her disability. She believed that her family considered it a burden or curse. "They did not care for me as they did my 'normal' brothers and sisters," Christine said of her past.
Her perspective changed while attending a secondary school for children with visual impairments, where she was introduced to a Right To Play program. Teachers at the school were trained to adapt and implement games with visually-impaired students twice a week. These games improved Christine's self-confidence, allowing her to excel at school and become a natural leader in her classroom.
"Right To Play acknowledged that I have the same rights as any child, including the right to play," said Christine. "I've become a more confident and communicative girl. I'm very proud of myself."
Now, as a role model for young girls, she facilitates awareness sessions for parents, teachers and other members of her community who have started viewing children with visual impairments in a more positive way.
To Christine, dignity is respect and equality. Not just for others, but also for yourself.
At Right To Play, we believe dignity is equality, respect, acceptance, education, health and inclusion.
Every child has the right to live a dignified life. The games we play promote inclusion, ensuring that no child is left on the sidelines.
