Mapping out the future of play-based learning at the SA National Play Conference
Tenth annual South Africa National Conference on Play-Based Learning looks back at progress made and looks forward to new opportunities.
JOHANNESBURG - Play is an essential building block for the development of children for a positive, lifelong impact, but what is the role of parents, caregivers, schools and decision makers in fostering that?
These, and more, are the questions that the South Africa National Conference on Play-Based Learning sought to unpack.
Celebrating its 10th year since the first edition in 2014, the conference is a collaborative initiative of the Department of Basic Education, UNICEF, Cotlands, the LEGO Foundation, Sesame Workshop South Africa and HOPE Worldwide South Africa. It is aimed at advancing play in the country's early learning and development of children.
"...in the early years of life learning takes place at a speed that will never be equaled. That is why quality early learning opportunities at home and in early learning programmes are so important."
The theme for the 2024 edition was “Early Learning and Development: Foundations for the Future through Partnerships on Play, Parents, Practice, and Policy”, with a focus on the opportunities and responsibilities among parents, primary caregivers, early learning programmes and other stakeholders to ensure that play-based learning is a central in facilitating young children’s early learning and development.
Not only was this an opportunity for attendees to network and connect with colleagues in the sector and share valuable insights, but it was a moment for adults in the room to tap into their inner child and remind themselves of the simple joys of playing like a child again by playing a few games together at the conference.
In her opening remarks at the conference, UNICEF South Africa Representative, Christine Muhigana noted that:
“We know that learning takes place throughout life – that is why we are here these next two days. But in the early years of life learning takes place at a speed that will never be equaled. That is why quality early learning opportunities at home and in early learning programmes are so important.”
"Learning through play is an essential foundation for children to become lifelong learners, helping them to thrive in life."
“Plans, commitments and recommendations are important, but all of these require action. In that action taken by parents, early learning educators, administrators, policy makers and society lie the real opportunity to create the future we want for all children from the start,” added Muhigana.
The conference was also addressed by LEGO Foundation CEO, Sidsel Marie Kristensen, who noted that “At the LEGO Foundation, we place children at the core of what we do and from a distance I have been witnessing how play is an integral part of South Africa’s work with children, parents, communities and government policies and I’ve seen how transformative and impactful this has been”.
“Learning through play is an essential foundation for children to become lifelong learners, helping them to thrive in life.” Kristensen added.
