For proper physical growth, especially in primary school programs, play equipment that facilitates gross and fine motor development is necessary.
The Concern
Although children in Okurase are very creative in making toys and playing games, The children of Okurase had never had a playground. They had never had the benefit of play equipment to help with development.
The Playgrounds Program
In January 2017, the Nkabom Organic Garden was built in front of the Vocational School which is the current location for Nkabom Sundrops Montessori. There is also a stone patio in front of the school which serves as a community gathering spot under the neem tree and paving stones that feature a labyrinth. We felt that the first ever playground in Okurase should be a natural part of this community spot. The initial basic playground is mainly used by the Montessori school at Nkabom Centre. In the future, we hope to expand this playground with educational stations. Once this playground is complete, we plan is to use this prototype playground to build other playgrounds at the other schools in Okurase.
Benefits
The benefits of a playground are multiple. Children will have fun while improving physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. Playgrounds are considered hands-on classrooms that provide learning opportunities to kids of all ages.
Way Forward
As funds are available, we will expand the playground beyond the swings. We plan to add areas for climbing, sliding, jumping and engaging in fine motor activities.
How You Can Help
If a playground is something you can see yourself being involved in, you can help by coming to Okurase and help us extend the playground. You can provide funds to help pay local carpenters to build the playground, to ship playground equipment or maybe you would like to donate equipment yourself. Finally, we would be grateful for any ideas you have to share about playground equipment that addresses different developmental skills.
