Play as a Foundation of Development
Early Childhood Day at the Museum of African Art
August 27th, 2025 | 4 PM – 8 PM
On Wednesday, August 27th, from 4 PM to 8 PM, the garden of the Museum of African Art in Belgrade will become a space for shared play, understanding, and support – for children, parents, experts, and all those who believe in the importance of early childhood.
The event EARLY CHILDHOOD DAY, which this year is organized in collaboration with the Museum of African Art by the association "Yellow Pants – Initiative for Childhood Study and CRS Concept Incubator", marks its fifth, anniversary edition. Since 2021, Early Childhood Day has been recognized as a public program that informs, empowers, and inspires.
The theme of this year’s Early Childhood Day is “The Importance of Play in Early Childhood”, and it symbolically echoes the famous African proverb: “It takes a village to raise a child.” The connection with the Museum of African Art is further emphasized through the presence of the traditional game mancala, a strategic board game played across Africa since ancient times. Mancala was awarded the title “Toy with Purpose” at the first “Toys with Purpose showcase” in 2021 and will this year play the symbolic role of host.
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the current holders of the “Toys with Purpose” title – producers and creators of educational and developmentally supportive toys – who will present their work through interactive stands, workshops, and demonstrations for children and parents alike. Preschool and early primary school-aged children will not only be able to participate in workshops and play with toys, but also take part in a treasure hunt and discover new worlds. Children in need of additional educational support will be able to play while their parents consult with professionals.
In addition, there will be a dedicated parenting support zone, where visitors can receive information and guidance from “Yellow Pants” expert partners in areas such as:
- Early development and developmental monitoring
- Speech and language therapy
- Emotional intelligence
- Early intervention and prevention
- Responsive parenting and creating a safe family environment.
Admission is free.
Program:
1. PLAY WITH TOYS WITH A PURPOSE
Presentation of the winners of the TOYS WITH A PURPOSE and INCLUSIVE TOYS WITH A PURPOSE awards - manufacturers and authors of educational and developmentally supportive toys, from the previous four years: 2021–2024.
Participating: The Museum of African Art - Mancala, Bubba Toys, Bloom Toys, Dušan Džopalić - Azbuka Azbrka, PIKTOKNJIGA, Pooligona, Trag po trag, Zevalice, OS Radivoj Popović, Bamboo Center of Development, Kefalica World of Games, Kockica Eco Toys, while PINO TOYS also prepared surprises for the youngest.
Partners of the Yellow Pants Association have prepared:
2. RESPONSIVE PARENTING IN PLAY & SENSORIJUM
Workshops for future parents and parents of young children, led by Snežana Milanović, sensory integration therapist, with the support of SENSORIJUM – Early Intervention Office and Marija Kostić.
3. SPEECH THERAPY COUNSELING CENTER: WORD GAMES & WORD GAME
A team of speech therapists from the Montessori Language project provides advice to parents of children up to 3 years old.
4. HAPPYMAMMA - Center for Family Well-being
A group of psychologists at the “Happymamma” center has developed the “EmoMe” emotional intelligence development program for children aged 4 to 16. The program is based on the five-factor model of emotional intelligence and consists of five key blocks: self-awareness, self-control, self-motivation, empathy, and social skills.
About the Yellow Pants Association
The Yellow Pants Association – Initiative for Childhood Study and CRS Concept Incubator is a non-profit organization established on April 21, 2021, in Belgrade. The organization is dedicated to education from its foundation and promoting socially responsible business practices, with the goal of enhancing the well-being of children, individuals, and society as a whole.The association's most important projects are the Festival of Socially Responsible Communication "Campaigns with Purpose", the Exhibition of Socially Responsible Toys "Toys with Purpose“, the event "Early Childhood Day", the Institute for Childhood Studies, as well as educational programs such as "Montessori Language" (a free speech therapy counseling), "Montessori Mathematics" (financial literacy for the youngest), and "Montessori Ecology" (developing ecological awareness in children).
The event is supported by: Bananica, PINO TOYS, and Rosa.
