Right to Play Program: Enhancing the Development of Children in Ethiopia through Sport and Play

Using interactive play to teach children about empowerment and leadership: Right to Play is applying an innovative approach called “Reflect, Connect, Apply” to teach underprivileged school aged children in three sub-cities of Addis Ababa about life skills and lessons related to hygiene, HIV and AIDS awareness and prevention, teamwork, and child protection. The program recruits volunteer

coaches in the community and trains them on how to deliver interactive sports and games as a teaching tool. Popular childhood games such as “Three Legged Race” are adapted to incorporate lessons on key topics that these children otherwise do not have access to learning about. Over 200 coaches have been trained to reach a total of 10,000 children in 25 local schools. In addition to being a fun, positive way for kids to interact with each other outside of school hours, the program builds capacity of coaches to have a positive impact on their communities – helping the next generation to develop important leadership skills and a sense of empowerment. Right to Play’s core values of inclusion and sustainable impact are at the root of the program’s design.

Brahane Hilina Elementary is one of the schools reached by the program. Upon arrival to the schoolyard, located in Gullele Sub-city, a group of thirty children are engaged in a bi-weekly play session. Moges Makonnen leads the 45 minute session. Moges actually started of as one of the children in the program three years ago and then became a junior coach. Today, he trains other people how to be coaches; this shows the sustainable impact that Right to Play is achieving with this approach, without any direct cash transfers. Incentives of training and in kind resources are what draw volunteers to be a part of the program – but it is seeing the positive results on the lives of children that keep them involved.

Figure 1: Children and coaches at Brahane Hilina Elementary

Landuber Ayele, Country Director of Right to Play in Ethiopia explains his view on why the program is so important for children in Ethiopia especially “It’s very relevant in terms of building confidence. Our culture doesn’t encourage this. The program allows children to find their voice and speak out – they learn skills such as cooperation, leadership, and inclusion.”

When asked about the benefits and learning provided by the program, Rakeb, a nine year old girl replies, “When ever we were asked a question in class, I was afraid…Now I am confident to answer. We learn about helping family and friends, respect for others, and trust.” Other children expressed that they are teaching people in their family and community about the skills they learn in these sessions. Figure 2: Addis (7), Rakeb (9), and Fasika (8)

In a country where children are often robbed of their youth due to the effects of extreme poverty, Right to Play is inspiring children to lead, teach, and find their voice while having fun!

Right to Play’s Program in Action at Brahane Hilina Elementary School

Figure 3: “Warm Up”

Figure 4: “Three Legged Race”

Figure 5: “Barking Dog Game”