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From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The LEGO Foundation is donating $97 million to the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to fund play-based learning for children in conflict zones.
  • The five-year partnership aims to reach 5 million children in East Africa and the Middle East, adapting to evolving conflict situations.
  • The initiative will expand the IRC's PlayMatters program, training teachers to integrate playful learning into lessons for children aged 3-12.

The LEGO Foundation is committing $97 million to the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in a significant move to support play-based learning for children affected by global conflicts. This five-year partnership aims to reach 5 million children across East Africa and the Middle East, focusing on those in the most dire circumstances.

Children who are born in conflict have their childhood stolen from them. But what’s remarkable about children is that if you give them a bit of their childhood back, they make the most of it. And this is about giving the best of childhood back.

— David MilibandIRC President David Miliband speaks about the importance of restoring childhood through play for children affected by conflict.

"Children who are born in conflict have their childhood stolen from them," said IRC President David Miliband. "But what’s remarkable about children is that if you give them a bit of their childhood back, they make the most of it. And this is about giving the best of childhood back."

The initiative will bolster the IRC's PlayMatters program, which trains teachers to incorporate "playful learning" into their instruction for children aged 3 to 12. The program emphasizes adapting to the needs of children traumatized by crises, rather than dictating specific curricula. LEGO Foundation CEO Sidsel Marie Kristensen highlighted the "truly agile" framework, designed to deliver play-based education wherever it is most needed, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of current global conflicts.

In the world we are living in right now, nobody knows honestly what is happening tomorrow or in two months. That (flexibility) is what we need right now.

— Sidsel Marie KristensenLEGO Foundation CEO Sidsel Marie Kristensen explains the need for an agile approach to educational support in conflict zones.

Teachers involved in the program report positive outcomes. In Uganda's Nakivale settlement, one teacher noted that the PlayMatters approach has reduced absenteeism. By making lessons more engaging and helping children feel "at home," teachers are seeing increased student enthusiasm and attendance, even when language barriers exist. The program also includes policy advocacy to integrate these educational materials into national curricula.

Learners enjoy the lessons. They are eager to come to school.

— Sister Kasingye SecundaA teacher in Uganda describes the positive impact of the PlayMatters program on student engagement.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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