Uganda
I traveled to Uganda as a volunteer with East African Playgrounds (Now Play Action International) to help with some ideas and to run workshops with their local team. I shared with them my understanding of the power of play and how to get the most out of their environment to maximise play opportunities. After 3 weeks with the team I was offered a position for a year as a community consultant and play designer. This was an awesome opportunity working with schools, respite centres and orphanages across the country.
One of the major roles turned out to be educating local adults and teachers on why play is important. Many of them did not have an understanding of the educational benefits and developmental importance for children to play and explore. It was vital to get this knowledge across in order for the playgrounds to be used and the children to really benefit from our contribution.
I had such an amazing and inspirational time in Uganda and saw first hand the differences in schools and facilliities that encouraged play and the ones that did not allow children to play or express themselves freely. This confirmed what I had learnt and understood so far about its cognitive, social and emotional benefits. The experience also reinforced my desire to advocate for play, not just for children, but everyone who has a brain and emotions!
Click on the image on the left to see what they are up to now and support them if you want to be part of the play revolution!
