Learn through Play Project: Enhancing Education and Development - Emisebeni Primary School, South Africa -

By Gwendoline Tshimbana - Mtiti

WFWP SA’s main objective with regards to our work in the Soweto is to support the learning process for the benefit of a young learner. We have implemented a number of of project in this regard. The latest project implemented is Funville - Play to Learn. This was implemented in partnership with Lego Foundation (ChangeX), Play Africa and eMisebeni Primary School. Principal Nemakonde and Mrs Mkhulise were very instrumental in the design and implementation of the project. 

The basis of this project is to use an innovative approach to education that integrates play-based learning techniques into traditional educational frameworks. This project aims to create an engaging and enriching environment where students can develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration through interactive and playful activities. 

The process involved workshopping the design process with a select group of learners. These learners, with the assistance of facilitators, then designed a play space of their desire using skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving, listening, empathy etc,. The prototype that they came up with was used to create a play space of their design. Due to budget constraints, not all the elements of their designs were implemented. We aim to build on this if afforded further funding. 

The teachers and the learners are very happy with the outcome of this project. As an organisation, this work allows us to serve the community and cement our presence in the community.