Star Education and Leadership Initiative (SELI) has donated pupil’s friendly Educational playground facilities to develop cognitive reasoning and learning ability to Akanang Private School and LEA Primary School Kyan Rikkos in Jos North Local government council of Plateau state.
Daily Independent reports that the NGO also trained about 150 teachers in the state on ‘’Promoting Learning through Eduplay.’’
The child-friendly educational playground has different game facilities like colourful tire rails, monkey ladders, slides, seesaws, tire calculators, rockets, and swings.
The newly installed educational playground, complete with swings, slides, climbing frames, and a merry-go-round, also immediately brought a burst of energy and excitement to the school.
The founder of Star Education and Leadership Initiative (SELI), Esther Onyinyechi Mark, who commissioned the playground yesterday said “we donated the educational playground to encourage children to be in school.
“In her words “We are determined to ensure that all children are in school, as this would reduce the number of out of school children.“
She explained that one of the ways children learn and develop easily is through play.
Esther noted that playing helps children think and learn creatively which helps in regulating their emotions.
She added that “Play is a powerful tool for children’s language development and educational playgrounds are vital tools for holistic child development. They blend learning and play, creating an environment where children can explore, discover, and grow. Through interactive and creative play, children develop cognitive skills, problem-solving abilities, and social competence.’’
‘’We believe that access to facilities such as these playgrounds will be beneficial to the students, the schools and their communities as they will serve as avenues for the children to express their vivid imaginations.”
She added that ‘’at SELI, we believe in empowering the Nigerian child and equipping them for the future.
“Many children are already vulnerable in many ways at home and school and not to play or have structured opportunities to do so is to overburden the soul of a child.”
“We are investing in educational playgrounds because it equals investing in a brighter future. Every child deserves access to play spaces where they can learn, dream, and achieve. This is why we champion this cause, thanks to the Reciprocal Exchange Component of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, a programme of the U.S Department of State for the funding’’
The authorities of both schools appreciated the NGO for the gesture.
The head teacher of Akanang private school Mrs Stella Akene appreciated the organization for the thoughtful initiative and said it has met the need of the children.
She noted that the pupil will live to appreciate the organization and that the school will remain indebted to the NGO.
She said the facilities on the playground will aid the development of the children.
The Propetior of Akanang Private school Mrs Sarah Agok Garba ,who spoke to our correspondent said the impact of the playground was immediate and heartwarming. Students, who once spent their breaks in a dull environment, now eagerly run to the playground, their faces lighting up with joy and enthusiasm.
Teachers have observed that the children return to class more focused and ready to learn after engaging in active play. The playground has not only enhanced their physical fitness but also their overall happiness and school experience.
