PlayMatters leaders celebrated their success at the Fairway Hotel on Wednesday. Through play-based learning programs, they have helped more than 400,000 children in Uganda. The group started its work in 2020 with a goal of reaching 350,000 youngsters. They surpassed this number with almost a year left before the project ends. Teams work across nine areas where refugees live in Uganda.
The project teaches children aged 3-12 through active learning instead of passive listening. Over 5,000 teachers learned new skills that put students at the center of lessons. Students lead classroom activities rather than just following the teacher. The Education Ministry plans to release national guidelines about learning through play soon. Officials want all partners to use similar approaches when teaching children.
Some problems remain, especially keeping teachers motivated in refugee areas. Teachers no longer receive food supplies, making it harder for them to focus on teaching well. The project will wrap up around March 2026. Uganda will host a regional conference about play-based learning next October. Leaders hope their methods will continue even after the official project ends.
The project teaches children aged 3-12 through active learning instead of passive listening. Over 5,000 teachers learned new skills that put students at the center of lessons. Students lead classroom activities rather than just following the teacher. The Education Ministry plans to release national guidelines about learning through play soon. Officials want all partners to use similar approaches when teaching children.
Some problems remain, especially keeping teachers motivated in refugee areas. Teachers no longer receive food supplies, making it harder for them to focus on teaching well. The project will wrap up around March 2026. Uganda will host a regional conference about play-based learning next October. Leaders hope their methods will continue even after the official project ends.
