AMERICAN GIVING | Strengthening communities through generosity
03 March 2008
American Company Donates Educational Toys to Pakistan
Toys from Action Products International going to madrassas, orphanages
Washington -- A Florida-based company is donating hundreds of educational toys that nurture healthy development to madrassas (schools) and orphanages in Pakistan.
"We very much believe in the value of play" in healthy child development, said Ron Kaplan, chief executive officer of Action Products International, at a February 28 press gathering at the Foreign Press Center in Washington.
Action Products distributes through specialty toy stores in the United States, Canada and Great Britain brands that include modern and classic play-sets and activity kits. The toys emphasize creative self-expression through arts and crafts and exploring nature and science.
The program is being implemented in cooperation with the State Department, and the toys will be distributed through the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi and the U.S. Consulate in Lahore.
The idea for distributing educational toys in Pakistan began with a State Department-sponsored visit to the country by Ann Stone, an Action Products board member.
While in the country to train women in entrepreneurship and the importance of political involvement, Stone met with community representatives, university students and educators, including a vice principal of a Sufi madrassa. He said his mission was to educate children in nonviolent behavior as the best foundation for social interactions, Stone said at the press briefing.
Most of the children in the schools receiving the toys -– which are aimed at children ages 4 to 8 -- "come from the poorest families throughout Pakistan," Stone said.
"It is a very trying time in that part of the world," Kaplan said in a press release. "During times like these children are even more vulnerable. ... We felt this modest toy donation was a chance to promote peace and good will between our countries."
Action Products' goal is to provide children "with the definitive, hands-on learning and toy experience to develop strong motor skills [and] a vivid imagination and create lasting memories," Kaplan said.
Play gives children "the opportunity to explore themselves and the world around them. They grow more confident," said educator Susan Magsamen, creator of "Curiosity Kits," one of the brands being sent to Pakistan. Every Curiosity Kit includes all the materials necessary to complete a project, as well as easy-to-understand illustrated instructions.
Educational toys can help young children on a path of "learning, growing and finding success in life," and they also can provide a "respite" to children who lack the support of a stable family, Magsamen said.
This is the first toy giveaway Action Toys has been involved in, Kaplan said, adding that he would like to see other toy companies join in giving toys to poor children.
