The LEGO Foundation has announced a significant commitment of $97 million to support play-based learning for children impacted by global conflicts. This initiative, in partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), aims to reach 5 million children across East Africa and the Middle East, including countries like Ethiopia, Lebanon, and Uganda.
Addressing Educational Needs in Crisis
Conflicts such as those in South Sudan and the recent U.S.-Iran war have left many children without access to education. The LEGO Foundation’s funding will expand the IRC’s PlayMatters program, which integrates playful learning into classrooms for children aged 3 to 12. This approach helps children recover from trauma by providing a sense of normalcy and engagement.
IRC President David Miliband emphasized the importance of restoring childhood to those affected by conflict, stating, “Children who are born in conflict have their childhood stolen from them. But if you give them a bit of their childhood back, they make the most of it.”
Flexible and Adaptive Framework
The program’s framework is designed to be flexible, allowing resources to be directed to areas most in need as conflicts evolve. LEGO Foundation CEO Sidsel Marie Kristensen highlighted the importance of this adaptability, noting that the current global situation requires such flexibility.
In Uganda’s Nakivale settlement, the PlayMatters program has already shown success, with teachers reporting reduced absenteeism and increased student engagement. Sister Kasingye Secunda, a teacher in the settlement, noted that students are eager to attend school and participate in activities that build confidence and leadership skills.
Expanding Educational Access
The initiative also includes innovative solutions like a radio show that helps children in remote areas, such as flood-affected regions in South Sudan, access educational content. This multimedia approach ensures that education continues even in challenging circumstances.
The LEGO Foundation’s support allows the IRC to address not only educational needs but also other critical requirements such as sanitation and nutrition, which are essential for creating a stable learning environment. The partnership builds on previous collaborations, including the “Ahlan Simsim” program for children affected by the Syrian refugee crisis.
Kristensen hopes this announcement will inspire greater collaboration among governments, civil society, and the private sector, especially as international aid budgets face cuts. The initiative underscores the importance of education as a life-sustaining effort, not just a luxury, in humanitarian responses.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
