The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world in many ways, but one of the most notable impacts has been the closures of schools and learning centers. In several countries, early childhood and early primary education continues to remain completely or partially closed or deprioritized within broader school reopening plans. As a result, there is a continuing need for additional support to ensure that children still have opportunities to learn, play, and develop at home, and that parents are supported to continue to engage with their children after more than two years of stress from the pandemic.
Let’s Keep Playing is funded by the LEGO Foundation. It is implemented in Myanmar, Rwanda, and Uganda from October 2021 to March 2023. The project is a response to COVID-19 to support children and their families as pre-schools remain closed.
Through the project, children will receive materials and support to continue Learning through Play at home in preparation for the return to the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) centers or transition to primary school. Parents and caregivers will be trained in playful parenting practices and responsive care to meet the needs of their children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The project will also provide support to teachers through the Teacher Self-Led Learning Academy and orientation on home-schooling packages to support teachers in ensuring that children receive a supportive and playful start to their education.
Impact:
The project is expected to reach 19,240 children aged birth to 8 and 13,440 parents and 474 teachers as direct beneficiaries.
Myanmar
Direct: 8,300 children, 9,300 parents and 125 teachers.
Indirect: 350,620 children and 526,650 parents (radio, Interactive Voice Response (IVR), Social Media).
Rwanda
Direct: 1,440 children, 1,440 parents and 214 teachers.
Indirect: 5,760 children.
Uganda
Direct: 9,500 children, 2,700 parents, 135 teachers, 405 Center Management Committee members and 25 local district education officials.
Outcomes:
The top-level outcomes of the project across the three countries will be:
- Children receive materials and support to continue Learning through Play at home in preparation for the return to the ECCD centers or transition to primary school.
- Parents and caregivers are trained in playful parenting practices and can give responsive care to meet children’s needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Teachers have an improved ability to facilitate Learning through Play activities with children aged 3-8.
