Tanzania embraces PlayMatters teaching technology

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA has begun implementing a unique teaching intervention known as ‘PlayMatters’ that enables teachers to integrate play-based methodologies while teaching.

This exciting initiative is being successfully implemented in refugee camp schools in three countries: Tanzania, Ugand,a and Ethiopia.

In Tanzania, the Kigoma region is the beehive of the project, specifically in Nduta and Nyarugusu Refugee Camps, under the implementation of Plan International Tanzania (PIT) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC).

In this project, PIT operates in Nduta Refugee Camp, covering Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers, primary schools, and pre-primary schools located in Kibondo District.

On the other hand, IRC operates in Nyarugusu Refugee Camp, covering pre-primary schools within the area as well as pre-primary schools located in Kasulu District.

Briefing the Daily News Digital during the recently concluded 5th International Quality Education Conference (IQEC) in Dar es Salaam, PlayMatters MEAL Officer Mr Mustapha Isabuda said the program has accelerated school attendance.

“This is a teaching method whereby teachers use play-based methodologies whilst teaching, hence making pupils to like the session as they become part of it… for example, a teacher can use a play-based approach that can enable pupils to know how to read or count while singing.

“Another approach can help pupils to know parts of either the human or animal body, and the different approach can further enable children to identify and understand different colours, hence this is what PlayMatters is achieving.

“Additionally, as you know, kids like to play, and through this initiative, it also helps to create a strong bond of relationship between teachers and pupils, thereby improving school attendance.

“We have seen that the level of attendance in schools running the project has accelerated as pupils consider the school environment both safe and exciting,” he said.

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Mr Isabuda continued: “So, we empower teachers with different play teaching mechanisms that they employ during class sessions.

“Also, we are extending the program to parents and guardians of these children because they are the ones who live with them at their respective homes.

“Again, through the PlayMatters project, we do empower school committees as well as teachers and pupils committees while working in collaboration with the Tanzania Institute of Education (TIA) in formulating different modules for teachers to incorporate play in teaching,” he said.

He mentioned ‘six bricks’ as one of the teaching tools that both nursery and primary school pupils can use in amicably implementing the project goals…the tools have been supplied by LEGO Foundation, which finances the project.

“We have also cooperated with the Agency for the Development of Educational Management (ADEM) in making this project run smoothly,” he said.

According to him, through PlayMatters, they are also advocating that pupils in class should do 75 percent of the required activities while the remaining 25 percent should be accomplished by responsible teachers.