Train 150 AGYW (10-24 Years) on Menstrual Hygiene

Summary:

Our organisation ‘’African Child and Youth Development Initiative (ACYDI)’’ has integrated the extra-curricular activities such as swimming, outdoor play materials etc into teaching and learning processes and acquired partnerships with Malaika Junior School Mukono and other stakeholders to offer numerous benefits for AGYW and pupils, contributing to their physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. Over 70 AGYW have been skilled in Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) and through outdoor play materials for the learning environment has strengthened cognitive development, emotional intelligence, problem-solving, creativity, and imaginative play skills. Approximately 70 AGYW have been engaged in open-ended activities in STEM, such as constructing structures, and creating imaginary worlds, which stimulate their creativity, critical thinking, and spatial reasoning skills.

Achievements/Actions taken:

Music and dance activities have been conducted which has promoted cultural appreciation, relaxation, stress relief and socialisation skills among the AGYW.
AGYW have been able to discover cultures, traditions, positive role models, and building interest in STEM programs such as science, technology, engineering and math.
ACYDI’s extra-curricular trainings improved Language and Communication Skills for the AGYW, provided opportunities for verbal interaction, storytelling, and role-playing. Dolls, and play props facilitated imaginative play scenarios where children engage in conversations, express their emotions, and practice language skills.
The AGYW have been prepared for the School Readiness due to the installation of the play materials that supported AGYW readiness for formal schooling and fostered the foundational skills and competencies. These have developed the AGYW’s pre-literacy and numeracy skills, social-emotional competence, self-regulation, and problem-solving abilities, laying the groundwork for academic success and lifelong learning.
Our engagement of the AGYW into the extra-curricular activities have supported the AGYW in emotional intelligence and empathy through understanding and being able to manage their emotions, love for lifelong learning, boosting confidence, teamwork, participation and self esteem and achievement.

Challenges and suggested solutions:

We have limited resources such as play materials which cannot cater for all the AGYW at the same time and this is a challenge, as well as time management especially balancing activities and personal time. There’s an issue of inclusion for persons that are abled differently because some play materials and extra-curricular activities requires some hands-on human body interactions during the plays. ACYDI has made sure that all the play materials are accessible and inclusive for all AGYW even those with physical disabilities and special needs. ACYDI shall consider AGYW inclusivity in the outdoor play spaces to accommodate diverse abilities, provide wheelchair access, and offer sensory-rich experiences that cater to the needs of all AGYW.

Furthermore, there is limited budgetary constraints which may limit the acquisition, installation, and maintenance of outdoor play materials and with limited funding, may struggle to invest in high-quality play equipment, landscaping, and safety features, potentially compromising the quality and safety of outdoor play experiences for the AGYW.
Additionally, we have limited space constraints with the outdoor play equipment which sometimes may face challenges in providing sufficient space for outdoor plays, requiring creative solutions such as rooftop gardens, shared community spaces and partnerships with local community as stakeholders.

Suggested solution:

ACYDI should participate in the resource mobilisation strategies, fundraising, grant writing and seek for more partnerships on board in the provision of resources such as inclusive spacious play materials which supports all persons regardless of disability, sex, gender etc. It is however recommended that inclusion should be given more priority so that all persons that are abled differently are not left out because some play materials and extra-curricular activities requires some hands-on human body interactions during the plays. ACYDI has made sure that all the play materials are accessible and inclusive for all AGYW even those with physical disabilities and special needs. ACYDI will always consider AGYW inclusivity in the outdoor play spaces to accommodate diverse abilities, provide wheelchair access, and offer sensory-rich experiences that cater to the needs of all AGYW.

Conclusion:

Furthermore, though there is limited budgetary constraints which may limit the acquisition, installation, and maintenance of outdoor play materials and with limited funding, it was highly recommended by the stakeholders that we need to procure in high-quality play equipment, landscaping, and safety features, to improve the quality and safety of outdoor play experiences for the AGYW. Additionally, though we have limited space constraints with the outdoor play equipment which sometimes may face challenges in providing sufficient space for outdoor plays, requiring creative solutions such as rooftop gardens, shared community spaces and partnerships with local community as stakeholders, ACYDI has hired qualified professionals who have conducted the extra-curricular training to the AGYW in Mukono district and developed the curriculum that guided the training and learning outcomes.

Summary:

African Child and Youth Development Initiative (ACYDI) has installed and integrated outdoor play materials into school environment for the AGYW after seeking partnerships with Malaika Junior School Mukono in order to offer numerous benefits for AGYW and pupils, contributing to their physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. The project has trained 50 AGYW in Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) and Cognitive development through the Outdoor play games that promoted cognitive development by encouraging problem-solving, creativity, and imaginative play. AGYW engaged in open-ended activities, such as constructing structures, and creating imaginary worlds, which stimulate their creativity, critical thinking, and spatial reasoning skills.

Achievements/Actions taken:

The integration of play materials has contributed to promoting holistic development and learning outcomes for AGYW in Mukono with several benefits achieved including:

• Installed two outdoor play equipment for the AGYW and this has promoted the Physical Health and Fitness of the AGYW and pupils with improved physical activities, promoted better health and fitness among AGYW activities such as running, jumping, climbing, and swinging helped develop motor skills, coordination, strength, and endurance. Regular outdoor play reduced the risk of obesity, improved cardiovascular health, and enhances overall physical well-being.
• Conducted Training that improved Language and Communication Skills for the AGYW which has been as a result of installing the play materials that supported the development of language and communication skills, provided opportunities for verbal interaction, storytelling, and role-playing. Dolls, and play props facilitated imaginative play scenarios where children engage in conversations, express emotions, and practice language skills in a meaningful context.
• Trained 50 AGYW in the Social Interaction skills, the Outdoor play provided opportunities for AGYW to interact, collaborate, and communicate with their peers in unstructured settings. Playgrounds and outdoor spaces served as social hubs where AGYW engaged in cooperative play, negotiate roles, resolve conflicts, and develop social skills such as empathy, teamwork, and leadership.
• Promoted Healthy Habits of the AGYW and their lifestyles such as exposure to natural light and fresh air supported AGYW' overall well-being and helped to regulate sleep patterns. Outdoor play also promoted positive attitudes toward physical activity and fosters a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors.
• Conducted activities that promoted the social and emotional development of the AGYW such as play materials supported AGYW'S social and emotional development through fostering positive relationships, empathy, and self-regulation. cooperative games and group activities encouraged teamwork, and cooperation while dramatic play and role-playing scenarios allowed AGYW to explore emotions, developed empathy, and practiced social skills such as sharing, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
• Promoted creativity and Imagination mong the AGYW by allowing to express themselves and explore new ideas. With the open-ended toys, encouraged the AGYW to create, invent, and design, fostered a sense of agency and self-expression.
• Prepared the AGYW for School Readiness due to the availability of the play materials that supported AGYW readiness for formal schooling and fostered the foundational skills and competencies. Through plays, AGYW developed pre-literacy and numeracy skills, social-emotional competence, self-regulation, and problem-solving abilities, laying the groundwork for academic success and lifelong learning.

The integration of outdoor play materials into school environments has enhanced the AGYW' holistic development, fostering physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth in a supportive and engaging outdoor setting.

Challenges and suggested solutions:

• We have limited space constraints with the outdoor play equipment which sometimes may face challenges in providing sufficient space for outdoor play, requiring creative solutions such as rooftop gardens, shared community spaces, or partnerships with local community.
• There are safety concerns for the AGYW that is why ACYDI is ensuring the safety of AGYW while they engage with outdoor play materials and to minimize the risk of accidents, falls, and injuries. Regular inspections, repairs, and safety adherence guidelines have been put into place to mitigate safety concerns.
• Maintenance and Upkeep challenges i.e. Outdoor play materials require regular maintenance, upkeep, and cleaning to ensure their longevity and usability. ACYDI will allocate resources for routine inspections, repairs, and replacements of play equipment, as well as for landscaping, sanitation, and pest control to maintain a safe and hygienic outdoor environment.
• Another challenge is ensuring that outdoor play materials are accessible and inclusive for all AGYW even those with physical disabilities and special needs. ACYDI will consider AGYW inclusivity in the outdoor play spaces to accommodate diverse abilities, provide wheelchair access, and offer sensory-rich experiences that cater to the needs of all children.
• There is a challenge of budgetary constraints which may limit the acquisition, installation, and maintenance of outdoor play materials and with limited funding, may struggle to invest in high-quality play equipment, landscaping, and safety features, potentially compromising the quality and safety of outdoor play experiences for children.

Suggested solutions:

• ACYDI will allocate sufficient resources and look for the funding opportunities for regular maintenance, repair, and replacement of outdoor play materials on a timely basis.
• ACYDI shall develop a maintenance schedule and checklist to monitor the condition of play equipment and address any issues promptly.
• Collaborations and partnerships have been established with local CSOs, community organizations and volunteers to assist with maintenance and upkeep efforts.
• Regular inspections and maintenance will be conducted of outdoor play equipment to identify and address safety hazards promptly.
• ACYDI staff will be trained in the supervision and monitoring outdoor play activities.
• ACYDI is developing some policy safety guidelines, rules, and procedures for AGYW to follow while using outdoor play materials.
• Procurement of a variety of play materials and activities that cater to different interests, preferences, and developmental needs.
• Implementation of inclusive programming and support services to ensure that all AGYW can participate in outdoor play experiences.
• Designing the outdoor play spaces with features that can withstand various weather conditions, such as durable materials, shade structures, and all-weather surfaces.
• We have provided alternative indoor play options and activities during inclement weather to ensure continuity of play opportunities.
• ACYDI plans to educate AGYW and staff about safety precautions and guidelines for outdoor play in different weather conditions.
• ACYDI plans to fundraise for dedicated funding and budget allocations to support outdoor play initiatives and infrastructure improvements.
•  Plans are underway to involve pupils and AGYW in the planning, design, and evaluation of outdoor play spaces to ensure their needs and preferences are considered.
• We are still seeking for more grants, sponsorships, and donations from government agencies, foundations, businesses, or community organizations to supplement funding for outdoor play materials.
• As an organisation, we are seeking for the partnerships with parents, caregivers, community members, and local organizations to support outdoor play initiatives and advocate for play-based learning.