OVERVIEW

The problem of poor classroom conditions, inadequate student to teacher ratio, limited student follow-up, stress-filled learning environments has led to an increase in school drop rates especially among young people of secondary school age. In addition, the outbreak of violence in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon since September 2016 has forced thousands of children of school going age out of school. More than 100 schools have been burnt down and children and teachers continue to be threatened and attacked for attempting to go to school. This has led to an increase in the number of out-of-school children and consequently jeopardizing the economic and social development of our communities.

LESPLAY employs creative methods and play to engage children and young people in and out of school. The aim is for them to learn about rights, develop creative talents and skills in ways that are interactive and fun. Young people need to acquire additional skills to complement their education. We believe after school activities such as reading, Math and IT support; complemented with creative arts, play and other leisure activities would add value to their learning experience and increase their chances of success. LESPALY provides learning support, a place for play and a platform for children to speak about their experiences. LESPLAY combines arts-based approaches such as drawing and sketching, and play, to give children a memorable experience. Through tutoring and participatory action, young participants will also improve their skills in math, public speaking, and IT. The other arm of LESPLAY involves engaging with our partner schools and the local community through a LESPLAY Caravan and sporting events. A caravan of volunteers visits schools and community locations once a month to engage pupils/student in LESPLAY activities.

Emilie

"I enjoy working with these children, I see the willingness and excitement in them to learn more about the community they live in. I am so amazed at their level of maturity when they share their various opinions and ideas about certain issues affecting their communities and society, for example on environmental preservation. Overall, working with these children is so heart-warming as I get to see them bloom into wonderful leaders our community will be very proud of"

Tataw Ayuk Emilie

LESPLAY Program Coordinator

KREATIVE KAFE

We employ the use of creative arts for learning and self-expression. Participants are provided material and tools for sketching, drawing and painting. With the help of a supervisor draw, sketch and paint events in their lives and surroundings, work on a given theme. They then provide explanations for their arts which are documented as their personal narratives.

GAMES

LESPLAY provides a variety of creative and educative games including CHESS, SCRABBLE, LEGO, QUIZ; and outdoor games such as football and basketball.

PARTICIPATORY ACTION

Children work in groups on a project, a theme or idea, for example designing a child-friendly and green school campus. Groups work together to brainstorm and sketch their sketch their idea of a child-friendly and green school campus.

DRAMA/ROLE PLAY

LESPLAY employs role-play to help young people develop public-speaking, leadership and decision-making abilities. They discuss and debate about important issues affecting them, their community and society at large.