How can we empower children to learn about the Constitution and rule of law? How can we give children insight into career possibilities as children learn about different
roles in the judicial system?
Play Africa, a children’s museum based at
Constitution Hill, launched its new Children’s Court, an interactive exhibit that uses
play to introduce children to South Africa’s judicial system.
The Children’s Courtroom nurtures children’s own concepts of themselves and their rights as
secured in South Africa’s Constitution. Through facilitated play and dialogue, the programme
strengthens children’s rights by introducing all children to the core values of the Constitution,
the rule of law, and different ways they can make their voices heard in a democratic society.
“We’ve created an exciting new learning environment that will ignite new career possibilities
in the minds of children, while instilling core principles of the Constitution and the rule of
law,” said Play Africa founder and CEO Gretchen Wilson-Prangley. "Despite South Africa’s
strides towards a democratic, rights-based society, the reality is that children’s rights are
routinely violated, and children remain the most vulnerable members of our society. Our
Children’s Courtroom is a safe space where children can learn how to make their voices
heard in a court of law, so South Africa’s democracy can thrive in future generations."
“We are excited to partner with Play Africa in this important work. Exposing children to the
justice system and teaching them about the rights and duties of citizens is an investment in
their future success and that of our country as a whole,” said Fatima Laher, head of Pro
Bono at Bowmans, a leading African law firm, which provided funding for the manufacture of
the exhibit.
Retired Constitutional Court Justice Edwin Cameron was the guest speaker at the event. He
delivered remarks on the Constitution and children’s rights. Constitutional Court Justice Zukisa Tshiqi cut the ribbon formally launching the child-scale exhibit, made of stainless
steel and wood. Its several components – from the judge’s bench to the witness box – are
designed to be fully modular, so it can be set up temporarily in other settings.
“Play Africa would like this exhibit to become a powerful resource for outreach programmes
and for other child advocacy organisations working in South Africa,” said Wilson-Prangley.
Play Africa is a pioneering “children's museum” based at the iconic Constitution Hill in
Johannesburg, South Africa, a former prison complex that is now seat of South Africa’s
Constitutional Court. Situated inside the Old Fort, Play Africa operates in the courtyards just
15 metres from the cell where former President Nelson Mandela was once incarcerated. As
a cultural institution, its exhibits and programmes are designed to stimulate imagination,
experimentation, innovation and problem-solving in children, as well as their families and
educators.
“Constitution Hill is proud to be the home of Play Africa and stands behind it’s initiatives and
programs,” said Dawn Robertson, CEO of Constitution Hill Development Company. “The
greatest significance is that we are able to encourage community participation thus
supporting the growth and development of children in the inner city for the foreseeable
future.”