Tanzania Teachers Urged to Deploy Play-Based Learning Techniques

The Tanzania government is urging teachers and education stakeholders to adopt play-based learning techniques to cultivate a creative and proactive generation. Dr. Lyabwene Mtahabwa, the Commissioner for Education in the Ministry of Education Science and Technology, attributed the success of these techniques to the PlayMatters project. This project utilizes play-based learning to enhance children's cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and creative skills.

Dr. Mtahabwa emphasized the importance of children engaging in PlayMatters experiences to develop confidence, creativity, resilience, and a love for learning. He highlighted the need for teachers to employ active teaching and learning methods that harness children's natural inclination to play. This approach encourages students to ask questions, experiment, and develop critical life skills.

The Ministry of Education collaborates with the PlayMatters project to create a conducive environment for learning through play. This involves policy engagement and joint implementation and monitoring of activities. The project's goal is to ensure that children learn practically, using hands-on methods and real-world examples. It is particularly implemented in refugee camps and focuses on developing literacy in young children.

Various stakeholders, including the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Plan International Tanzania, are involved in this initiative. They stress the need for the African education system to be more solution-oriented and conducive to children's quick and productive learning. The Plan International Tanzania Acting Country Director, Mr. Paulo Lusato, shared that the project has already trained teachers and facilitators in refugee camps and host communities on learning through play methods. Advocacy for learning through play methodology continues to be encouraged.