Unlocking the Power of Play: Incorporating #LearningThroughPlay into Educational Programs
By: Asare Kesse
The Strengthening SCEF’s Foundation to Accelerate Growth and Sustainability (S-FAGS) project has a primary objective of enhancing organizational capacity, culture, and human resources through essential tools and training, fostering well-being both at a personal and workplace level. SCEF’s aim is to strengthen team cohesion and equip its members with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to create a healthier and more productive work environment. As part of this endeavor, Senior Programme Manager Anthony Kojo Bosomtwe and Accounts Officer Monica Tetteh had the opportunity to collaborate with a local organization in Uganda to explore the integration of the #learningthroughplay methodology into educational programs in Ghana. This initiative encompasses the Reading is Basic Project and SCEF’s after-school program at the Learning Hub.
The Global Fund for Children (GFC) Partnership to Educate All Kids (PEAK) initiative, generously supported by the LEGO Foundation, brought together 27 diverse organizations from Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia. This platform facilitated discussions on various critical topics, including child participation, the creation of safe and affordable teaching aids, and the exploration of effective storytelling and fundraising strategies. This immersive experience provided invaluable insights and innovative approaches to collaborating with children.
During the convening, the SCEF team and their local counterparts utilized locally available materials such as banana fiber, leaves, and sticks to craft items like balls, dolls, and skipping ropes that can be used in play-based activities. They also delved into breaking barriers to a playful mindset, guided by Play Action International, and explored effective fundraising techniques and personal well-being practices. With this newfound knowledge, SCEF’s team is now better equipped to expand the #learningthroughplay methodology, reaching every child and assisting street-connected children in their educational journey. SCEF’s playground employs a “play-based” approach, enabling the simultaneous teaching of various subjects to up to 20 children in a fun and creative manner.
Anthony Kojo Bosomtwe and Monica Tetteh echoed “We came back from Uganda feeling inspired and motivated to continue our S-FAGS project, Learning Hub and RIB Project which is essential for our organizational sustainability and growth for staff, children, and the community. We are grateful for the support of the Global Fund for Children and The LEGO Foundation for their hospitality and for hosting us in Uganda. We look forward to sharing more updates on our S-FAGS project and how we are incorporating #learningthroughplay in our work.”
They also extended their heartfelt appreciation for the invaluable opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and enhance their expertise in working with children. The GFC #PEAK initiative, combined with SCEF’s S-FAGS project, promises to enrich the SCEF team’s capabilities and further solidify their commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of street-connected children. Together, SCEF remains unwaveringly dedicated to promoting #EducationForAll, embracing #LearningInnovations, and achieving #SustainableGrowth for children, staff, and the entire community.
