With support from the LEGO Foundation, ChildFund implemented the “Come Play with Me” project as part of a multi-country initiative led by ChildFund International across four countries. The project aimed to strengthen playful parenting practices and enhance the growth and learning of children aged 0 to 8 years. It was adapted from an earlier model in Guatemala, where ChildFund successfully developed and broadcasted playful parenting radio-theatre spots between June and December 2020.

• Support children aged 0-8 and their caregivers in the target communities in Brazil, Ethiopia, Honduras and Uganda to learn through play and to receive support to strengthen their emotional wellbeing.
• Build capacity of 10,000 ECD children and 5,000 caregivers in Social Emotional Learning (SEL).
• 10,000 children (0-8years old) and 5000 caregivers are protected from COVID-19 infections.

Learn More: https://learningthroughplay.com/

Ministry of Health

Ministry of Education

Learn More: https://ncdc.go.ug/

District Local Governments

Learn More: https://longhornpublishers.co.ug/

Learn More : https://acholichild.or.ug/

Madarasa

• Obongi

5,700 caregivers (4,716 F and 984 M) and 9,902 children (5,306 girls and 4,596 boys) benefited from training sessions focused on play material development, social-emotional learning and positive parenting.

In collaboration with district health departments, caregivers were reached through integrated community outreaches where they received:

• COVID-19 prevention information and awareness messages.
• Handwashing facilities and children’s learning materials.
• Android tablets and FM radios were loaded with pre-recorded parenting messages.

Playful parenting practices strengthened:

• 61% of caregivers participated in weekly parenting sessions.
• 31% joined community fairs or meetings occasionally.
• 21% engaged in home visits with trained community facilitators over a 12-week period.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) survey results:

• 23% increase (from 66% to 89%) in caregivers who recognized that learning begins at or before birth.
• 5% increase (from 90% to 95%) in caregivers who viewed themselves as their children’s most important teachers.
• 37% increase (from 52% to 89%) in caregivers who agreed that children learn best through play.