Building on what works with PlayMattters
Since 2019, PlayMatters has helped teachers in refugee contexts in Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda use learning through play to support children growing up in settings affected by conflict and crisis. The programme, led by the International Rescue Committee, has reached more than 984,000 children through over 950 schools. PlayMatters 3.0 now builds on these results by continuing in Uganda and Ethiopia while expanding to South Sudan.
Supporting learning in times of crisis
For children affected by conflict and crisis, school can provide stability as well as opportunities to learn. PlayMatters works with teachers, Ministries of Education and local stakeholders to strengthen everyday classroom practices through playful approaches. Rather than introducing a new curriculum, the programme supports approaches that fit existing education systems and local contexts. One of those teachers is Paula Olweru in Uganda. She uses playful learning to encourage children in one of Uganda’s largest refugee camps to participate, collaborate and build confidence in the classroom. Her experience reflects how PlayMatters supports teachers to create engaging learning environments, even in challenging circumstances.
Five years of evidence
Over five years, PlayMatters exceeded its original target, reaching more than 984,000 children across 950 schools. Research found improvements in children's psychosocial wellbeing, reading comprehension, creativity and social-emotional development. Research in Ethiopia and Uganda also found improvements in literacy, numeracy, classroom practice and teacher-student relationships.
The next chapter
The results from PlayMatters have helped shape the next phase of our partnership with the International Rescue Committee.
As part of a renewed five-year partnership, PlayMatters will continue working with teachers and Ministries of Education in Uganda and Ethiopia while expanding to South Sudan. The wider partnership also supports programmes across Africa and the Middle East, with the ambition of reaching more than five million children affected by conflict and crisis through learning, wellbeing and development initiatives.
Building on five years of evidence, PlayMatters will help more children in conflict and crisis contexts continue learning and developing.
Partner: International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Programme: PlayMatters
Partner since: 2019
Geography: Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania and South Sudan
Total funding to International Rescue Committee (IRC): DKK 2bn (EUR 267 million)
About the International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organisation that helps people affected by conflict and crisis survive, recover and rebuild their lives. Through education, protection, health and economic recovery programmes, IRC works with governments, communities and partners to support children and families in some of the world's most challenging contexts.