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8 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 20 SEPTEMBER 2024 PEOPLE NESTLED in the heart of Gozo, "Little Peeps" is making waves as the island's first-ever role-play centre for children. It's a place where imagination reigns, and every corner invites kids to step into a world crafted just for them. Spearheaded by Daniela and Chi- ara, Little Peeps offers young chil- dren a space to explore, play, and learn in ways that feel anything but structured. "We believe in the power of free- play and child-led exploration," Daniela shared. For the pair, it's all about letting children immerse themselves in real-life scenarios without any pressure. "Children learn best by doing, pretending, and just letting their imagination run wild," she continued. Little Peeps does exactly that, whether it's through the mini supermar- ket, a fire truck, or even a pizzeria where little chefs whip up pretend pizzas. It's all designed to spark curiosity and encourage hands-on exploration. "Our supermarket, for example, is stocked with actual products, a till, and mini shopping trolleys," Daniela explained. "Kids can act out grocery shopping while un- knowingly practicing early math. We've found it's the perfect way to make learning fun." Every ar- ea, from the food truck to the vet clinic, is thoughtfully put together with high-quality props and cos- tumes, ensuring that children are not only having fun but are also learning through play. What makes Little Peeps spe- cial is how it taps into something fundamental about childhood. "Imaginative play gives kids the freedom to express themselves and try out different roles," said Daniela. "It's about letting them experiment with the world in a way that helps develop social and emotional skills." Walking into the centre, it's clear that this philosophy has shaped everything. The entire space is a miniature world—tiny enough for little hands but big enough for their imaginations. From medi- cal centres to construction sites, the settings feel real yet perfectly playful. And it's not just the kids who benefit. "We want parents to feel welcome and relaxed too," she added. "While the kids are play- ing, they can sit back, enjoy a cof- fee, and just feel at ease." Since its opening, Little Peeps has already become a beloved spot for families. Daniela and Chiara are constantly innovating, mak- ing sure the centre stays fresh and exciting. "We introduce new and seasonal themes regularly," Dan- iela said. "Right now, we're work- ing on a witch's kitchen for Hal- loween, which we're really excited about." But at the heart of Little Peeps are the connections it fosters. Daniela and Chiara shared one story that has stuck with them since opening. "Two little girls came in, and at first, they were very shy," Daniela recalled. "They hung back, watching the other children play, not quite sure how to jump in. But by the end of the day, they were building a wall to- gether in our construction site, laughing and chatting like they'd known each other forever. It was a beautiful moment." For Daniela and Chiara, mo- ments like these make everything worth it. "It's what our little town is all about," Daniela said warmly. "Watching kids break out of their shells, make friends, and just have the time of their lives—that's why we do this." Little Peeps has also become a popular spot for school outings, giving kids a chance to experi- ence something different while tying the experience back to what they're learning in class. "We love seeing teachers bring their stu- dents here," Daniela said. "It's the perfect mix of fun and education." With plans to keep evolving and engaging with the local communi- ty, Daniela and Chiara hope that Little Peeps will become a staple in Gozo for years to come. "We've already seen how much joy it's brought to so many families," said Daniela. "Our dream is to contin- ue providing a space where kids can grow, learn, and just be them- selves." MARIELLA CALLEJA mcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt Gozo's first role-play centre: A space for little minds to grow GozoToday sat down with Daniela and Chiara to discover how Little Peeps is more than just a play centre. Whether your child imagines themselves as a vet, a chef, or a builder, there's a world waiting for them at Little Peeps, where every visit brings something new to discover.