Toy libraries Walala/Walalou & De Speelvijver (The Playing Pond)

"We are not ceasing to play because we are growing older, but we are growing older because we cease to play." - George Bernard Shaw

Through the Toy Library approach, the Evens Foundation seeks to provide educational support for young parents. Young parents, especially those living in deprived circumstances, look for ways to support their children in their growing up in general and, specifically, in their school careers.

The Toy Library approach is an excellent way to reach parents and show them how playing with a range of well-chosen toys benefits their children. Educational support is provided by professional educators. It also offers parents a place where they encounter other young families and can exchange concerns about the education of children. Parents find out that they are not alone in their concerns and problems, that education is a common concern transcending all cultural differences. A further benefit is that well-selected educational toys can be lent to families. 

The Evens Foundation co-initiated and supports two toy libraries: Walala/Walalou, Cureghem neighborhood, Brussels, and De Speelvijver (The Playing Pond), Antwerp North. 

Walala v.z.w./asbl                      De Speelvijver
Rue Otlestraat 28                      Willy Vandersteenplein 1
1070 Anderlecht                        2060 Antwerpen
Belgium                                      Belgium
+32 2 527 52 41                        +32 3 236 08 00

Click here to see a video on De Speelvijver!