'Play More Learn More' Initiative By Nestle

By Nurul Halawati Azhari KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- A world filled with laughter, fun and games – an ideal picture for the world of children, who should not be restricted from expending their boundless energy and should be allowed to spend limitless time outdoors. Unfortunately, not all children have the opportunity to play outdoors and an increasing number are glued to their Playstations, computers or other ‘indoor’ form of activities. The question to be asked is – are modern parents too busy at work to enable their children to move outdoors and socialise with their peers? NEED TO BE CREATIVE The role of parents needs to be more creative in seeking opportunities to allow their children more traditional forms of recreation. But is the issue only about time? Or, is it also about reservations on part of parents? If safety is a concern, then the parents can sign up their children for many sports clinics and camps. Many such events are continually organised by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) nationwide. Towards this end, Nestle Product Sdn Bhd has come out with the 'Play More, Learn More (PMLM)' initiative for children, encouraging them to indulge in outdoor activities. Launched in 2009, the PMLM camp a sports camp-cum-clinic, aimed at encouraging children to get involved in sports and undergo a balanced life, which is not entirely examination-oriented. The targets of this initiative are children in primary schools and PMLM camps have been held in Johor, Terengganu dan Selangor. This initiative is the outcome of collaboration between Nestle, parents and the local community. SOCIAL SKILLS At the camp, the children have the opportunity to learn from national athletes. One such sportsman is national basketball player Peter Ng, who is also a Recreational Sports second year student in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). He has become a model for young children on the need for the ‘freedom to play' to transition into healthy and constructive youths. To Ng, such freedom allows a person to have an active mind and healthy body which only helps them to focus on their studies. Admitting that parental support is among the most crucial factors, this Sibu-born athlete says that the PMLM camp teaches its participants the basic technique of playing games. "It teaches children how to learn and, at the same time, has a positive approach to children's mental and physical health." "The programme enables the children to improve their communication skills with their parents, as well as peers," said Ng in support of the initiative. Participants at this camp also learn about teamwork, noble behaviour and socialising skills, all necessary for well-rounded growth of individuals. "The camp is allows one space to learn about respecting one another and helps build and develop friendships. It also develops a sense of self-confidence and leadership, particularly the importance of teamwork," he said. POLISHING TALENTS For parents who wish to see their children develop, the PMLM camp is the ideal avenue for polishing sports talents and social skills. Under the PMLM initiative, the children are coached in football, netball, table tennis, futsal and basketball by professional coaches and trainers. At the end of each camp, all children get the opportunity to play for their respective teams in friendly matches. ‘A healthy mind rests in a healthy body’ – so goes the adage. With the PMLM initiative, add a healthy all-round personality to the modern mix. More information is available at . -- BERNAMA