A conversation with Reza Marvastii, the director of the Power of Play charity.
The 61st print edition of “Hamiyari Media” is available at Iranian stores in Vancouver, North Shore, Tri-Cities, Bernaby, and Maple Ridge.
A Doc Land Films Production on The Power of Play [WATCH FULL VIDEO HERE!]
In our collective efforts, we possess the ability to transform the lives of future generations, building a brighter future, one playground at a time.
By contributing a mere $12, you can make a lasting impact at https://thepowerofplay.ca/donate/. Your generous donations empower children to embrace the joy of childhood, allowing them to simply be kids. Join us in making a difference!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to @doclandfilms, @sofidm7, @stevenpriovolos_dp, @philgriffithsfilms, and @filmsbynomad for their unwavering support and unwavering dedication to our cause.
Together, let’s unlock the boundless potential of play and create a world where every child thrives.
A Must listen! By doing this, kids rediscover childhood, process trauma, and make sense of the world through creativity and play.
In Spencer’s latest episode on the podcast, he talks with Reza about:
Spencer and his team came to Rwanda last month to help us build a playground. The time spent and getting to know Spencer was nothing short of wonderful. Huge THANK YOU to him and his team for supporting us on our mission to support every child’s right to learn and develop through the power of play. 
Reza’s story and foundation are truly inspirational and I know his story will change your outlook on life. 
Watch the video interview or listen to the full podcast here on your chosen platform.
“The Power of Play and how a thrill-seeking Canadian entrepreneur became a tireless benefactor of children Africa and around the world”- written by Tom Bussen
Thank you, Tom, for this wonderful write up in Readers Digest Canada of TPOP’s Founder & CEO Reza Marvasti and the journey of how our wonderful organization came to be!
View the full March 2022 online issue HERE.
Danielle Riberio from Great.com interviewed The Power Of Play’s CEO and Founder, Reza Marvasti, as part of their ‘Great.com Talks With…‘ podcast. This series is an antidote to negative news stories that aims to shed light on organizations and experts whose work is making a positive impact on the world.
A playground is a relatively safe environment where kids can express themselves. You see children playing different games, from free play games to imaginary play games, pretend play, and active play. Playgrounds are essential for early childhood education and development. That’s why in this episode, Danielle spoke with Reza.
“We are a nonprofit organization that builds outdoor play areas.” Reza says that children explore the world through play. Kindergarten children play peek-a-boo to learn about the environment. But not just that, children learn about the world through play.
You can also watch the interview on The Power of Play Youtube here.
Our organization encourages playful learning through our playgrounds. It is a form of escapism that many young children need to cope with stress and trauma. If an adult needs therapy to cope with harmful effects, children need creative play, outdoor play, free play, and other forms to deal with the same effects.
Great.com is an organization aimed at solving the world’s most dire problem — global climate change. Starting in New Jersey, their mission is to take money from an otherwise harmful and greedy industry (online casinos) and move it towards a positive and good cause (solving the climate crisis). In addition to directly donating 100% of the revenue they earn in the casino industry, they also launch and manage fundraising campaigns to persuade casino entrepreneurs to donate. So far, they’ve generated over $2 million to climate research through their own donations and proceeds from their fundraising initiatives.
Warzone Childhood Inspires Reza to Establish a Children’s Non Profit
Imagine enduring long hours in a bomb shelter as a young child, surrounded by fearful adults, unsure of what the future holds for you and your family. Even with a loving family,such experiences leave emotional scars, unless one discovers a way to cope with such circumstances.
Reza was born in Iran during a tumultuous period.His country was embroiled in the eight-year Iraq-Iran war. In 1980, Iraq launched an attack on Iran, seeking control over the oil-rich lands near the Iranian border. Supported by numerous Middle Eastern and Western nations, Iraq had significant backing, while Iran had relatively little. With most able-bodied men serving in the military, the casualties were numerous.
Even if you haven’t experienced war firsthand, you can imagine the hardships of living in a warzone, especially when it comes to raising children. How does one shield them from suffering? Where does one find sufficient food and clean water? And what happens if your home is bombed, leaving your children without a safe place to sleep?
This was the reality in the 1980s, long before smartphones and tablets dominated children’s lives. Back then, outdoor play was the norm. Reza and his friends would roam the neighborhood, engaging in games and activities throughout the day. Life seemed somewhat normal, similar to any other country at the time. However, that illusion was shattered every time the piercing sound of the siren, all too familiar to everyone, wailed through the air. It was a signal for families to rush to the shelter and seek refuge, striving to survive.
Reza’s extended family had access to a shelter where they sought safety during air raids. As darkness enveloped the space, the adults would tape the windows to prevent the glass from shattering and endangering children’s lives. The air inside became thick with heat and a sense of anticipation, drenched in fear and anxiety that gripped every individual. Fortunately, with each passing night of survival unscathed, the intensity of fear and anxiety gradually diminished. Humans have a remarkable ability to adapt to even the most challenging circumstances, despite lingering trauma…
Young Reza displayed an extraordinary fearlessness amidst the chaos. He eagerly organized games of hide and seek under the shelter’s tables, rallying his cousins to participate.
Although some adults viewed his behavior as mischievous, it stemmed from a deeper purpose. Unbeknownst to him, Reza instinctively understood that engaging in play would divert children’s attention away from the fear and anxiety that haunted their existence. Amidst the warzone, Reza discovered the power of finding moments of lightness and shared this gift with others. His coping mechanism through play shielded him from the long-lasting effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adulthood. Sadly, not all of his childhood friends were as fortunate.
Five years ago, Reza had an epiphany: the coping mechanism he developed during his own childhood could serve as a lifeline for other children facing similar circumstances. Motivated by this realization, he established a non-profit aimed at restoring children’s right to a genuine childhood, allowing them to experience the joys of play. If you’re curious about the remarkable journey that led Reza to achieve this noble endeavor, continue reading our blog for more inspiring details!
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