Play is more than a way for children to pass the time; it's a crucial part of their development. For children living in our communities in Uganda, finding time to play when living in extreme poverty can be a real challenge. We run a series of projects that are focused on play, and giving children some space away from their difficult home lives to focus on being kids. From games, to football, to creative storytelling, play serves as a foundation for cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth.
Across all four of our programmes in Kampala, play is actively encouraged and organised safe spaces are offered where children can come to let go of any troubles and express themselves through safeguarded activities. In this blog I'm going to take a closer look at why play is so fundamental for the children we work with in Kampala.
Cognitive Development and Education
Children learn best when they explore, experiment, and interact with their environment. In Uganda, where only 10% of children aged between 3 and 5 years are enrolled in formal pre-primary education (UNICEF), play becomes a powerful tool for cognitive development. Through imaginative play and storytelling, children develop essential skills like problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. Simple activities like playing with toys and board games can improve numeracy and memory, laying a great foundation for future learning.
For children that are able to attend school, bringing play into education can massively improve their quality of education. Teachers and caregivers can use games and playful activities to introduce new ideas, making learning more enjoyable, engaging and accessible. This approach not only helps children to grow a love for learning, but it also improves their ability to retain information and apply it in real-life situations.
At each of our three Encouraging Education centres, our team organise engaging activities for the children, both during lessons and in breaks between. The UK team were in Uganda back in February, and whilst visiting the education centre in Namuwongo, I was invited to join one of the children's games of ‘duck, duck, goose’ …
Social Skills: Building a Sense of Community
Uganda has a rich cultural heritage that emphasises strong social bonds. Play helps children learn to interact with others and build relationships. Whether it's a group game that teaches sharing or a role-playing activity that teaches empathy, these experiences are crucial for developing social skills, just like in the UK. Playing can teach the importance of community, and help children form lasting friendships. This sense of community is vital for children's overall development, providing them with a strong support network that nurtures their growth.
In many Ugandan communities, play through dance is deeply intertwined with cultural traditions. Traditional games, songs, and dances can be a form of entertainment, however they are also powerful tools for passing culture from one generation to the next. Through traditional dance, children in Uganda learn about their heritage, values, and history, gaining a sense of identity and belonging; another huge part of healthy childhood development, fulfilling their right to play.
Physical Development: Encouraging Healthy Growth
Physical play, like running, jumping and climbing are also key for the healthy growth and development of children. These activities help children develop coordination, strength and physical fitness. Whether it's a game of football in an open field or a game of stuck in the mud with friends, physical play supports overall health and well-being. This kind of physical activity is also massively important for the emotional wellbeing of kids, where endorphins are released and friendships are built.
Our Football Project is for teenage boys, not only to play a sport they love in a safe and supportive environment, but provide them with mentorship to improve their confidence, self-esteem, teamwork and discipline. Early on, we recognised the vital role the sessions played in empowering boys like Ben* …
Emotional Resilience and Mental Health: A Safe Outlet for Expression
Arguably, the most important element of play is the sense of safety and belonging it can provide. More than 8 million children in Uganda are considered to be vulnerable to harm (UNICEF, 2019). Violence, exploitation and abuse in all forms put children’s physical and mental health and education at risk. For many children in Uganda, daily life presents challenges, from poverty to family disruptions. Play provides a safe and supportive environment where children can express their feelings, cope with stress, and process emotions and trauma, fostering a sense of security and confidence that is vital for mental health.
Every Saturday we run our Saturday Kids Clubs across 10 different communities. Each Kids Club is run by a team of local volunteers who have a desire to see the lives of children in their community change for the better. These volunteers give up their time each week to organise games and sports; sing songs; lead Bible teaching, dramas and stories; facilitate counselling sessions and serve the children a meal. Children have a right to play, and having this opportunity just to play and have fun is so important. Play is incredibly therapeutic for young children who have experienced trauma, abuse or other challenges in their lives.
In Uganda, play is much more than a pastime—it's a crucial part of every child’s development. Through play, children learn to navigate the world around them and prepare for the challenges of adult life. In every game, song, and dance, there is an opportunity for growth, learning, and joy, which is why it is such a key element in all of our projects.
If you would like to support the development of children in Uganda, I ask you to consider setting up a regular gift, however small, to help kids in Kampala thrive. Every bit of support is hugely appreciated and makes a massive difference!
Comments