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Sisanda FunDaytion team

Integrating Health and Play

Updated: Jul 24

Research shows that play significantly impacts children's development and well-being. By incorporating play into healthcare, we aim to create a nurturing environment that promotes holistic health. We are excited to continue our long association with St. Joseph's Intermediate Paediatric Care and excited by our recent partnership with SHAWCO to continue to bring the magic of play into healthcare settings. Our first event with SHAWCO was a resounding success.


Sisanda FunDaytion and SHAWCO Partnership:


Our partnership with SHAWCO, the largest student-led NPO in Africa linked to the University of Cape Town, is a collaboration aimed at integrating play into healthcare services, marking a significant milestone in their mission to support children's mental health through play and enriched experiences.


We have teamed up to run play workshops alongside mobile community health services in Manenberg's Tambo Village. Integrating play into healthcare services helps create a supportive, stress-free environment for children, which is crucial for their social, emotional, and mental well-being.


It's exciting to work with SHAWCO to bring the magic of play into healthcare settings. Research shows that play significantly impacts children's development and well-being. By incorporating play into healthcare, we aim to create a nurturing environment that promotes holistic health.


Our first event was a resounding success. Sisanda Play Ambassadors and SHAWCO Playmates connected through play with children and families, demonstrating the value of play in healthcare settings and their shared commitment to uplift communities through empowerment and education. Positive feedback highlighted the ease it brought to healthcare providers' work, underscoring the effectiveness of this innovative approach.


Promoting Health and Wellbeing at May’s SHAWCO Community PlayDate


On May 18th 2024, Sisanda FunDaytion partnered with SHAWCO in a heartwarming celebration of community and connection with a Community PlayDate at Khanyisa Community Church Hall—bringing together children, families, and volunteers from Tambo Village and Khanyisa Community Church in Manenberg. Children and parents enjoyed crafts, storytelling, games and dance, highlighting the power of play in fostering togetherness, but also marked another important step in integrating play into healthcare settings.


Medical professionals noted how the playful environment eased clinic visits, making assessments more comfortable and enjoyable for children. At Sisanda FunDaytion, we believe in the transformative power of play not only to bring joy and connection but also to enhance health and wellbeing, especially in underserved communities. Play breaks down barriers and fosters a sense of unity for children and families waiting in line at the SHAWCO clinic and it was interesting to observe how play positively impacted the healthcare experience for children and medical staff attending the clinic.





“Such a vibrant clinic really helped improve the general atmosphere from a normal (and sometimes quite boring) health check-up. Sisanda's Play workshop significantly improved the student's ability to practise the art of medicine, and the patient's ability to be receptive to the help.”


The partnership with Wings of Support, SHAWCO and Khanyisa Community Church highlighted the collective effort required to promote holistic health and wellbeing within the community. 


Carnival Fun with St Joseph’s Hospital in April


The Carnival Fun Day at St Joseph's Hospital for Children in Palliative Care on April 20th, was also a resounding success. We offered activities like cupcake making, seedling planting, face-painting, sports workshops, carnival games, story time, arts and crafts, rhythm and dance, and photobooth dress-up, creating a magical day for 66 children, their caregivers, and hospital staff.


This event not only brought joy and laughter but also provided much-needed respite and uplifted the spirits of St Joseph's staff, again showcasing the transformative power of play in healthcare settings for everyone involved, including caregivers.


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