Transforming Education Through Play in Rural South Africa

Early Childhood Development practitioner reflects on the Every Child is a Champion project

“I enjoy talking about my life and sharing my experience with others.”

Cebisile Confidence Ngwenya Mhlongo has been doing this for the majority of her life.

From opening a creche in kwaMblhudula in 2002 to teaching at primary level for 10 years in the 2010’s, her journey has been enriched time and time again by seeing so many young children develop into young people.

An educational journey that has spanned 22 years which has been fueled by the passion in the development of younger people as well as growing as a person herself along the way.

“By listening to the stories of our community and sharing their ideas, I gain a better understanding of the world around us and how it has evolved over time.”

Cebisile is now an Early Childhood Development practitioner teaching Grade R at Wonderboom Primary School in kwaMblhudula in rural South Africa, having served her community in so many ways.

“I was once counselling the children at Makhwela Primary School about HIV and AIDS.

“I also taught older people of my community when I got on the Masifundisane project.”

Her journey has taken on new challenges and ventures along the way, including the introduction of play-based learning into the classroom with the aim of transforming early education.

The concept of play-based learning derides from the ‘Every Child is a Champion’ project, an initiative formed by The LEGO Foundation, AMANDLA and Common Goal focused on supporting young people in their development.

The project combines the power of LEGO’s approach of learning through play with Football for Good aided by the implementation of AMANDLA’s Safe Hubs to provide a safe space for young people to play, learn and thrive.

With an action-led and education-led approach, the aim of the project is to build a future where every child, regardless of their background has the opportunity to shine, to learn and to lead.

Cebisile has seen the implementation of learning through play deepen her understanding of early childhood education, despite having her doubts at first.

“I wondered if play was truly an effective way to learn.

“But I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for play-based learning in recognising the significance of play in a child’s cognitive, social and emotional development.

“Since implementing play-based learning, children express themselves more imaginatively.

“The results in the classroom have been remarkable.

“Whether this has come through art, storytelling, role-playing. It has help improve problem-solving skills, developed their critical thinking and resourcefulness through playing.

“It’s really helped boost confidence.”

But the implementation of a new model to education inside the classroom doesn’t come without its challenges.

But the implementation of a new model to education inside the classroom doesn’t come without its challenges.

“Some parents don’t understand the value of play.

“They don’t understand that children learn more through play, so when they find them engaging in LEGO activities, they think they are not learning.

“But we found a solution – explaining to parents that children are learning more and developing skills when playing.

“Informal schooling is all about learning through play.”

Cebisile’s path has seen her become a champion for play-based learning in her community, and offers a glimpse into what’s to come through the Every Child is a Champion project where revitalising teaching practices have huge potential to create lasting positive impacts on children’s development.

Find out more about Every Child is a Champion - https://www.common-goal.org/Stories/Every-Child-is-a-Champion2024-07-23