'Play is the highest form of research' (Albert Einstein)

Children are playing, when they have the opportunity. At home, in school, in the neighborhood. They looking for challenges, adventures, their own research, from what they feel to do at the moment.. from their intrinsic motivation… It is giving significance to their life. “Child’s play is child’s work” as a famous researchers Susan Isaacs wrote in 1929(!). Play is for children a way of being, and at the same time to exercise in society.

‘Play is the highest form of research’

Froukje Hajer worked for 30 years in the field of non formal education and leisure time and the right of the child to play. Play- and youth work, extended schoolday programms, communityschool, and public space and a childfrienly environment are subjects of her interest. Many national and local projects are initiated and realised by her. She is the author of articles and publications on this themes (all in Dutch language), and had developed vocational training-courses in the field of playwork and non-formallearning. She initiated advocacy work, related to children’s right to play, and the Child friendly cities network in the Netherlands. Many years she worked in community based organisations as childworker(playworker)and as a youthwork-consulant at regional and national level.
Current position: independent consultant youth policy and children’s rights related to ‘Child, play and environment’ (owner) and member scientific programm commite of the Child in the city foundation. Boardmember of different organisations for childrens play and youthwork. Dutch councilmember of IPA (International Play Association)