Play Action International

Play Action International We enrich disadvantaged children's lives through play. We were founded because of our passion for children to have their right to play.

We are the leading provider of custom-built playgrounds and play-based learning programmes in East Africa. At Play Action International we love creating opportunities for disadvantaged children to learn and develop through play. Play Action International was founded as East African Playgrounds, which remains the name of the Ugandan organisation. Children across the world play, however there are in

fact very few places dedicated to play. This was the case in Uganda too, where there were very few playgrounds within community centres and schools. Playgrounds really signify the importance of childhood and provide children with the permission they may need to play. Our expertise lies in playground building, as well as innovative and effective play-based interventions that enrich disadvantaged children's lives. We are a small, smart, friendly, fun, and professional organisation with staff in the UK and Uganda. We have ambitious plans to enrich the lives of many more disadvantaged children through play - by working in 10 countries in the next 10 years.

Play Action International has taken the difficult decision to wind up its operations after more than 15 years delivering...
17/09/2025

Play Action International has taken the difficult decision to wind up its operations after more than 15 years delivering international volunteering programmes, training teachers, and building playgrounds in East Africa and further afield.

Like many charities, we have faced significant financial challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by the cost-of-living crisis and cuts to the UK international aid budget. Despite the dedicated efforts of our staff, trustees, volunteers and supporters, we are no longer in a position to continue sustainably.

We are proud of the legacy we leave behind. Together with our volunteers and supporters, we have supported hundreds of thousands of the world’s most disadvantaged children to learn, develop and heal through the power of play. That impact will last for many years to come.

Importantly, our work in East Africa will continue through our trusted partner, East African Playgrounds, who share our mission and values.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of our volunteers, staff, partners and supporters who have contributed to this journey.

This week, Honourable John Awiti, Minister for Education (Kisumu County) and Director of ECDE, Mrs Wilkister Oderah took...
08/08/2025

This week, Honourable John Awiti, Minister for Education (Kisumu County) and Director of ECDE, Mrs Wilkister Oderah took time out of their busy schedules to meet with our playground building volunteers. They were truly inspired by the creativity, passion and dedication of this amazing group of young people and the legacy they are creating.

Thank you to ALL our volunteers. Everyday you make a difference. Everday you make us proud!

And a huge thank you to the County Government of Kisumu for your warmth, support and friendship.

A big THANK YOU to our latest supporters for leaving their mark on our playground! 🖐️💖 Your handprints help make this sp...
01/08/2025

A big THANK YOU to our latest supporters for leaving their mark on our playground! 🖐️💖 Your handprints help make this space even more special for the whole community.

Join our campaign today - only a few week left to make your mark! https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/10playgrounds

29/07/2025

“Play Action makes us happy, makes us joyful…” 💛🎶

When children and volunteers come together like this, it’s more than just a song - it’s a celebration of connection, joy, and the power of play.

Every playground we build doesn’t just create a space for children to run and climb - it creates a community, where kids feel safe, loved, and free to sing, laugh, and dream.

With your support, we’re building 10 new playgrounds that will give thousands more children this same joy. And when you donate, your name will be written on a playground - your legacy of happiness for years to come.

🎥 Watch this beautiful moment.
📍 Then join us in making more moments like this possible:
👉 https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/10playgrounds

22/07/2025

🐍😱 DENIS VS. THE FAKE SNAKE
We promise we’re a professional team… most of the time. 😂

Watch as our legendary playworker Denis gets the fright of his life when the team surprises him with a fake snake on site! (Sorry, Denis… the scream was too good not to share)

Behind all the laughter and screams, we’re working hard to build something amazing:
10 playgrounds. One joyful movement.

Because while Denis ran away from a plastic snake,
we’re running toward a future where every child has a safe place to play.

Every donation helps us build another playground - and gets YOUR NAME written on it. Join the movement. Build the joy. Leave your mark.

👉 Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/10playgrounds

A huge THANK YOU to Alex and Yasmin, supporters of our '10 Playgrounds. One Joyful Movement' campaign. Leaving their mar...
21/07/2025

A huge THANK YOU to Alex and Yasmin, supporters of our '10 Playgrounds. One Joyful Movement' campaign. Leaving their mark on children's education and joy!

Be like Alex and Yasmin - show your support at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/10playgrounds

18/07/2025

THIS is what it’s all about.

Watch the magic moment when we cut the ribbon…
3️⃣…2️⃣…1️⃣… and the kids run to use their new playground, handbuilt with love by our AMAZING !

Look at those smiles. Hear those cheers. That’s the sound of joy, freedom, childhood.

This is why we’re raising funds to build playgrounds.
Because every child deserves a safe, beautiful place to play, grow, and just be a kid.

❤️ You can make the next playground opening happen.
✨ When you donate, your name will be written on the playground itself - a legacy of joy!

Donate today: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/10playgrounds

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Why Are We Building 10 Playgrounds?Because play is powerful.Play is so much more than fun. It builds the foundation for ...
15/07/2025

Why Are We Building 10 Playgrounds?
Because play is powerful.

Play is so much more than fun. It builds the foundation for a child’s entire development:

✅ Social: Learning to share, compromise, and collaborate
✅ Emotional: Processing feelings, building empathy
✅ Physical: Developing motor skills and staying healthy
✅ Communication: Practicing language and building vocabulary
✅ Creativity: Unlocking imagination and problem-solving
✅ Cognition: Boosting focus, reasoning, and brain development

Every child deserves access to a space that nurtures all of this.
Every donation helps build a playground where it can happen.
And when you give, your name will be written on that playground.

Leave a legacy of play.
📍 Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/10playgrounds

Address

Challenge House, Sherwood Drive
Milton Keynes
MK36DP

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441908326303

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