The power of play in early grade learning
ChildFund Uganda
At ChildFund, we work to connect children living in poverty with what they need to achieve their potential.
ChildFund Uganda, with support from our local partner Jinja Area Federation of Communities participated in Uganda’s inaugural National Play Day celebrations.
Launched by the First Lady and Education and Sports Minister Janet Museveni at the Kololo Independence Grounds on April 30, 2024, the play day celebrates play as one of the most transformative forces in a child’s life.
Over 600 people including decision makers, government officials, educators, caregivers, children and development partners gathered to demonstrate the power of play. The event was organized by Government of Uganda with support from UNICEF, The Lego Foundation, Education Cannot Wait, Plan International in partnership with other civil society organizations and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Museveni said the play day is vital in emphasizing to the young populace that children need to be children, adding that Government recognizes the value of play in supporting children’s holistic development and lifelong learning.
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The education ministry is currently in the process of developing National Guidelines for Learning through Play. This is being spear headed by the National Curriculum Development Centre and the Basic Education Department.
ChildFund Uganda values the importance of play in Early Grade Learning. In our recently concluded yearlong cross-country initiative dubbed, Come Play With Me and funded by The Lego Foundation, we were able to enhance playful parenting practices and facilitate growth and learning in children aged 0-8, primarily through remote and hybrid (remote + in-person) activities.
Various approaches, such as radio broadcasts, EduTabs, and Megaphones, were utilized alongside in-person activities to engage participants and convey educational and health messages in a playful manner. Besides distributing various indoor play and learning materials to 3600 households, a total of 4382 caregivers underwent training on developing play and learning materials using locally available resources such as fiber. This training empowered parents to comprehend and value the significance of play, with feedback indicating that the materials significantly supported the play and development of their children across all domains.
With one of the youngest populations in the world, Uganda’s investment in quality education is essential to achieving economic development. Since play based learning equips young people with the skills, resilience and creative grounding needed to create a prosperous and resilient Uganda, there is need to make play possible.