MBABANE – To celebrate Urban October 2024, the Municipal Council of Mbabane has initiated an innovative outreach program aimed at understanding the perspectives of its youngest residents.
By visiting preschools throughout the city, planners actively engage with children to explore their visions for ideal ‘play spaces’. This initiative not only enriches the planning process but also empowers the next generation to voice their needs and desires in urban development.
City Planner Nontsikelelo Matsebula engages a pre-schooler from Nkwalini Social Centre about his ideal place which he had drawn.
Playgrounds are crucial for children’s physical, social, and cognitive development. They serve as vital spaces where creativity flourishes and friendships are nurtured. Recognizing this, the Municipal Council strives to incorporate children’s insights into the design of these environments. By interacting directly with preschoolers, planners gain invaluable feedback on what features—such as swings, slides, green spaces, and safe zones—children find most appealing and conducive to play.
City Planner Bongiwe Mabuza pays attention to suggestions of how parks in Mbabane should look like according to the city’s young residents.
The engagement of preschoolers in envisioning their ideal play spaces exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to urban planning. By prioritizing the voices of children, the Municipal Council of Mbabane not only enhances the quality of play environments but also cultivates a more inclusive and thoughtful urban landscape. During Urban October 2024 approaches, this initiative stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to creating spaces that reflect the dreams and aspirations of its youngest residents. More preschools will be visited in the coming days.
