Learning & Play Centre for kids in Zimbabwe
Our Request
We’re raising £1,500 to set up a Learning and Play centre in Harare, Zimbabwe. The centre will serve children in a low-income community, particularly children with learning difficulties who lack opportunities for integration into the wider school system. It will serve as both a library and play centre on an after-school and weekend basis and will cater to children between the ages of 4 to 16 years.
Please read the information below to find out what we’ve been up to so far, and what we plan to do next!
Our centres provide a space for children to:
-Enhance their reading skills
-Relax with a book, enjoy story-telling and puppetry
-Take part in arts and craft and science activities
- Play indoor and outdoor games and sports
-Learn IT skills (when computers can be sourced)
Each centre also provides employment for 1-2 individuals in the community and some support for volunteers. It also acts as a place of respite and safety for older children who look after younger siblings as parents go about daily chores.
What we Have done for the Zimbabwe Centre so far:
1. Built shelving for rooms
2. Funded an outdoor seating and play area
3. Sourced over 2,000 books for shipping
4. Sourced some games and learning resources for shipping
What will your Donation be used for?
Shipping to Zimbabwe is costly, as the country is land-locked. We would also like to support the wages of a dedicated part-time worker to oversee the children and manage the centre. Please see our Budget below.
1. Securing packaging and shipping 2 Palettes of books and learning resources- £1,000
2. Purchases of science, craft and other educational resources- £500
5. Total -£1,500
Other ways to support:
1. Donate using our Amazon Wish List: Click here to see our Amazon Wish List - everything helps!
2. Help us source books and learning resources
2. Contact us if you have books, puzzles, educational games, art supplies, or any sturdy and imaginative toys,
3. Arrange a collection drive and call us when you are ready.
4. Get in touch with Cheryl if you want more information on the charity and its work.
What prompted this Work
My name is Cheryl. Teaching is my first love! I am a former teacher, with over 15 years’ experience in education. I’ve worked in various countries across Africa and while there I visited schools and interacted with the teachers and children. I found many stark classrooms. Bare walls, no storybooks, not a ball on the playgrounds, and much ‘chalk and talk’ learning. I remembered the adage “I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand.” And I wanted more for the children. I wanted a space where they could be free to play, explore, create, laugh, and experience more of the wonders of simply being a child. This started me on my journey.
What is this Charity?
In 2017, I set up the charity Enhancing Learning and Play in Africa (ELPA) in Ghana. Now back in the UK, I work with a UK-based team to continue the setting up of Centres, and to provide support and training, and keep the Centres stocked. We also fund the support workers, as it is easier to source funds and support from the UK and we believe in doing our part to redistribute some wealth. So far we have set up two centres, one in a larger community servicing around 300 community children of an after school and weekend basis and we support a smaller centre of around 30 children. We are also making good progress with setting up two other centres in Ghana.
The UK has great educational resources and a fantastic array of children’s books. Charity stores are a treasure and people are willing to give. Please join us in lending support.
