The South Africa National Conference on Play-Based Learning 2024, co-hosted by a broad coalition of influential organizations, underscores the vital role of collaboration in promoting early childhood development (ECD) through play. This year’s event, held at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg, from February 21 to 22, brought together key stakeholders including the Department of Basic Education, UNICEF, Cotlands, the LEGO Foundation, Sesame Workshop South Africa, and HOPE worldwide South Africa.

Under the theme “Early Learning and Development: Foundations for the Future through Partnerships on Play, Parents, Practice and Policy,” the conference focused on the collective responsibilities of parents, caregivers, educators, researchers, and policymakers. The objective was to ensure that play-based learning remains central to young children’s development, both at home and within educational programs.

The partnership highlighted at the conference reflects a shared commitment to harness the transformative power of play. Notable initiatives, such as the Caregiver Learning Through Play (CLTP) Programme, exemplify this collaborative spirit. Supported by the LEGO Foundation and implemented by HOPE worldwide South Africa, this program has reached over 260,000 parents and caregivers, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge to foster responsive and playful parenting.

Speakers at the event, including UNICEF Representative Christine Muhigana and LEGO Foundation CEO Sidsel Marie Kristensen, emphasized the urgency of quality early learning opportunities. They articulated a vision of play as a catalyst for unlocking children’s potential, enhancing skills such as problem-solving, social-emotional learning, and communication.

The conference also facilitated rich discussions on various topics, including the impact of play on executive function development, school readiness, and inclusive practices for children with disabilities. Workshops further engaged participants in the principles of parental involvement, the role of fathers, and integrating nutrition messages into parenting support.

The 2024 South Africa National Conference on Play-Based Learning serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of partnerships in shaping the future of education and child development. Through collaborative efforts, stakeholders are committed to ensuring that all young children have access to the enriching experiences that play provides, reinforcing the belief that children learn best through play.

Breakfast Advocacy Panel Discussion

Sesame Workshop South Africa (SWSA) organized a highly successful Breakfast Advocacy Panel Discussion on August 1, focused on “Learning Through Play” and the role of media in promoting early childhood development. This event engaged 52 influential stakeholders, including media representatives, Early Childhood Development (ECD) experts, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), government officials, and academics. Key insights from the Play to Learn (PTL) impact evaluation were shared through an interactive quiz game, which was followed by a panel discussion moderated by MC Elana Afrika Bredenkamp.

The panel featured prominent figures such as Mari Payne, Deputy Managing Director and Senior Director of Education and Outreach at Sesame Workshop International South Africa (SWISA), Prof. Hasina Banu Ebrahim, Research Professor in the Department of Early Childhood Education at UNISA, Kgopotso Tryphosa Khumalo, Consultant for UNICEF, and Pearl Phoolo, Senior Corporate Social Investment Manager at Standard Bank South Africa. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Janeli Kotzé, Acting Director for Early Childhood Development at the South African Department of Basic Education.

During the panel discussion, several critical topics were addressed, including the essential role of Learning Through Play in a child’s cognitive and social-emotional development, how interactive media and chatbots can facilitate engaging and educational play experiences, and trends and best practices in designing high-quality educational children’s media that promotes Learning Through Play. The panellists emphasized the importance of maintaining a focus on Learning Through Play within the ECD sector and cautioned against “schoolifying” early childhood education. They also highlighted the significance of both male and female caregivers in engaging children in Learning Through Play, providing practical tips on how to achieve this through children’s media.

Play Festival Series of 2024

• The Gauteng Play Festival, held in Brixton, Johannesburg, on Friday, September 13, was a vibrant celebration of early childhood development and Learning Through Play. It brought together various stakeholders to engage children and families in enriching activities, attracting 416 children, 323 parents, and 90 stakeholders from diverse sectors. The collaborative efforts of all participants ensured a wide range of activities and meaningful interactions, reinforcing the importance of Learning Through Play in early childhood development.
• The Eastern Cape Festival took place in Bizana, within the Winnie Madikizela Mandela Local Municipality, at Ferguson Park Extension 3 on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. This event was attended by 312 parents, 300 children, and 79 stakeholders, including ECD practitioners, other ECD organisations, and government officials from various districts and municipalities in the Eastern Cape.
• The Free State Play Festival, held on November 23, 2024, at Tjhebelopele Primary School in Bloemfontein, attracted approximately 300 children aged 3 to 6 years, alongside around 325 parents and 70 stakeholders, including partners and officials from the Free State Department of Education, other ECD organisations, and ECD educators.

All three festivals followed the same format, commencing with a lively 30-minute welcome from Sesame Workshop, hosted by an energetic MC and featuring Zuzu, the beloved Takalani Sesame muppet. These performances captivated the children and set a joyful tone for the day.

A variety of play stations offered enriching activities for all families in attendance.

• Nalibali hosted storytelling and literacy-focused stations, leading interactive read-aloud sessions with age-appropriate storybooks to foster a love for reading.
• Cotlands facilitated numeracy and problem-solving stations featuring hands-on math games that promoted early numeracy skills, while Sportstec offered physical activity stations with movement-based games designed to enhance gross motor skills through active play.
• Lesedi offered creative expression stations where children engaged in arts and crafts, music, and imaginative play, encouraging creativity and self-expression.
• Sensory exploration stations were set up, allowing children to engage their senses through tactile, auditory, and visual experiences.
• Sci Bono set up science and technology stations where children explored hands-on science experiments and interacted with technology-enabled learning tools under facilitator guidance.
• Additionally, Sesame Workshop introduced a Lego blocks station, enabling children to engage in creative and constructive play, supported by facilitators throughout the building process.

In addition to the play stations, several engaging workshops were part of the festival.

• Sesame Workshop hosted WhatsApp Chatbot sessions offering families a guided, interactive experience to access educational content and activities for continued use after the event.
• Cotlands led workshops on making toys from waste, where families participated in a creative challenge to design and construct their own educational toys from recycled materials, emphasising creativity and sustainability.
• Seriti conducted Active Learning Workshops aimed at educating parents on the importance of early childhood development (ECD), providing valuable resources to support their child’s development at home and fostering a partnership between families and educators.

The festivals also featured multiple exhibitions and information booths.

• Sesame Workshop showcased the Play to Learn programs and materials, offering families insights into available educational resources.
• Seriti highlighted the AreBapaleng Learning Through Play program, emphasising the significance of play in learning.
• The provincial Departments of Education set up information booths to discuss the importance of play-based learning and provided resources for school readiness activities, engaging with parents and ECD practitioners.
• The Department of Health offered information on child health and wellness programs, including basic health screenings and education on disease prevention.
• Additionally, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provided education on basic first aid and emergency response, showcasing safety equipment and offering tips for creating a safe environment for young children.