Atención Atención Foundation [www .fundacionatencionatencion.org], a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the comprehensive development of children, has launched #JugarSana#JugarSana, a campaign born from a profound vision: to transform public perception about the crucial importance of traditional play in the emotional, social, and cognitive development of Puerto Rican children. More than mere entertainment, play is an essential right of every child and an extraordinary tool for healing, learning, and growth.

In the last 6 years, children in Puerto Rico have experienced the impact of 3 hurricanes (Irma, María, and Fiona), earthquakes, and the isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of them did not have the opportunity to attend school in person for nearly three years, which has not only caused a setback in their academic progress but also in their ability to develop life skills.

With #JugarSana, Atención Atención Foundation aims to educate the community about the essential role of traditional play in supporting children’s mental health and emotional well-being, fostering resilience, healthy socialization, and creativity. Additionally, it will expand its “Playtime Hour” program to more vulnerable communities across Puerto Rico. Throughout 2023, this project reached 1,053 children throughout the island, providing 21,060 hours of enriching experiences, demonstrating the tangible and positive impact of this intervention.

This campaign is an invitation to be part of something greater, to remember the value that going out to play, riding bicycles, and sharing with friends had in our childhood—experiences that many of our children do not know. “It is for us adults to commit to passing on that knowledge to the new generations and to work together in developing happy and healthy children,” expressed Paula Rivera, Executive Director of Atención Atención Foundation. If you wish to join the campaign, you can amplify Atención Atención Foundation’s posts on social media, support financially, or write to info@fundacionatencionatencion.org to receive more information on how to get involved and contribute to your community.

Atención Atención Foundation was established in 2013, becoming the community arm of the children’s group Atención Atención. Since then, it has tirelessly worked to fulfill its mission of “Helping every child reach their full potential” by collaborating with children and those responsible for their care and development: parents, teachers, grandparents, healthcare professionals, etc. Some of its programs have achieved international presence.