In Botswana, 93% of children under the age of 5 do not have access to early learning & fail to reach their potential in cognitive development. Poverty, poor health and nutrition and lack of early stimulation holds them back. Priyanka founded LTP with the vision to ensure that access to high-quality early childhood education, that prioritises happy and healthy children, is a right not a luxury.
LTP’s Mindful Way is central to every programme, taking a two-generational approach to ECE through Playgroups, Parent Playbox, and Educator Training.
Implementation:
-Community consultations determine ECE challenges
-Village Development Committee identifies a safe space.
-Village leadership nominates 10 Maatla Mamas, LTP selects 3 for 2 weeks of ECE training
-Playgroups operated daily by Maatla Mamas
-LTP supports Maatla Mamas virtually, conducts site visits and annual impact assessments
Parent Playbox
The Parent Playbox equips caregivers with knowledge and confidence to interact with their children through 52 activities for a year-long home-based early learning programme.
The Mindful Way
LTP’s Mindful Way is Africa’s first mindful play programme with daily 15-minute SEL activities for children aged 3-6.
Implementation:
-Training - educators receive 2 days of training
-Curriculum - daily 15-minute SEL practices
-Delivery - educators incorporate activities into daily routines
LTP works in 11 communities with 550 children and 35 Maatla Mamas daily. To achieve universal access to ECE in Botswana, we now work with 2 local governments to create champion districts with universal access to ECE. Recognising that the scalability of our innovation lies in our Mindful Way training and curriculum, these districts will serve as the case study for how we can leverage Learn To Play’s Mindful Way training and curriculum to improve quality and increase access across the continent in conjunction with our Parent Playbox. We know that partnerships are key to creating change, so we have delivered educator training and the Parent Playbox to ECD organisations across the continent impacting 150 educators working with over 10,000 children and 270 playboxes reaching 800 family members.
For organisations who seek to strengthen their play-based programming, particularly in social & emotional development and mindful play, or have a guided approach to a home-based parenting programme that improves caregiver confidence for improved parent and child outcomes, Learn To Play offers training and a parenting solution for you. Contact us at priyanka@learntoplay.org to discuss your needs.
