Play is an essential foundation of childhood development, providing children with the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop vital social and cognitive skills. It serves as a bridge between learning and creativity, where physical activity meets problem-solving, and where resilience is nurtured. Through playful interactions, children can exercise not just their bodies but also their minds, allowing curiosity to flourish and fostering a love for lifelong learning. Recognizing the multifaceted benefits of play, OneAfricanChild Foundation (OAC) partnered with Upbeat Recreational Centre to deliver an exciting day of fun and learning for students from Isrina Schools in Ajegunle.
A Day of Play, Learning, and Growth
On 29 August 2024 our team and learners from Isrina Schools arrived at Upbeat Recreational Centre in Lekki, Lagos, for a day designed to merge fitness and education. This event was not just an outing but a strategically crafted experience to demonstrate the impact of physical activity on childhood development, particularly in fostering creativity, teamwork, and resilience. As research consistently highlights, physical play stimulates cognitive development, enhances motor skills, and encourages positive social interactions. For children growing up in lower-income areas, access to such experiences is invaluable in building their confidence and agency.
The day kicked off with warm welcomes from the Upbeat team, followed by introductions from OAC volunteers, students, and educators. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with anticipation for what was to come. The event’s facilitator began by emphasizing the crucial role of sports in promoting physical and mental well-being. This set the tone for a day full of energetic activities designed to engage both mind and body.
Engaging Minds and Bodies Through Play
The energy and excitement were palpable as the children, with support from our team of youth volunteers, participated in various physical activities. From egg-and-spoon races to balloon-bursting challenges and sack races, these games were not just fun but thoughtfully designed to enhance strategic thinking, team work and perseverance. Each challenge presented an opportunity for the learners to step out of their comfort zones, work as a team, and engage in healthy competition—all while developing crucial life skills.
One of the day’s highlights was the trampoline area, where the learners experienced the joy of free play while simultaneously strengthening their balance and spatial awareness. As the children bounced between the trampoline and the foam pit, there was a sense of freedom and joy—a testament to the profound impact of active play in childhood. Equally important, the adults in attendance also embraced the day’s activities, joining the learners for wall climbing and dodgeball. These interactions between students, teachers, and volunteers helped foster a sense of community and shared experience, further strengthening the bonds between the different participants.
Impact Beyond the Day: Reflections and Gratitude
A staff member from Isrina Schools remarked on the significance of the event, calling it “life-changing” for the children. The opportunity to engage in such interactive and dynamic activities outside the classroom allowed the learners to see new possibilities beyond their immediate environment. Experiences like these not only enhance learning but also provide emotional and psychological benefits, particularly for children from underserved communities. The memories of this day will undoubtedly serve as a source of inspiration and joy for years to come.
The day concluded with a shared meal at the Upbeat Centre’s restaurant, a time for reflection and socializing. The group then gathered for a photo and video session, capturing the day’s most joyous moments, ensuring that the experience would be remembered long after the final game was played.
A Collaborative Vision for the Future
This partnership between OneAfricanChild Foundation and Upbeat Recreational Centre exemplifies the power of collaboration in creating impactful educational experiences. By integrating physical activity with learning, OAC is not only promoting healthy lifestyles but also reinforcing the importance of resilience, teamwork, and creativity in shaping the next generation of leaders. As educators and advocates, we must continue to seek out opportunities to provide holistic learning experiences for all children, particularly those in lower-income communities.
This event is also a reminder that education extends beyond the classroom. When children are given the space to play, explore, and engage with the world around them, they not only develop key life skills but also cultivate the resilience and curiosity needed to navigate future challenges. The collaboration between OneAfricanChild and Upbeat Recreational Centre is a model of how play and education can come together to create lasting positive impact.