On the occasion of Navroz, the Education Board for Angola, in synergy with ITREB, organized the “Aprender a Brincar - Play, Learn and Grow” programme, held on the 18th of March at the EPIC SANA Hotel, in Luanda.

Learning does not have to be boring, as such, considering that many contents can be taught through recreational activities, educational games and in a fun way, it is through playing that a child learns best. It was with our children aged 1 to 12 years in mind that we intended to provide some fun, but also enriching, moments.

The first part of the programme was aimed at children aged 1 to 4 years accompanied by their parents. Some pillars of Early Childhood Development (ECD) were worked on, with the aim of developing motor, cognitive and intellectual, social and emotional, language and speech skills. These pillars were worked through games monitored by the team of our partner St. Andrews English School, with the active involvement of the families in attendance. Activities such as Mimic the teacher, Explore the world, Name the shape, Sing to the world and Talk, talk, talk were carried out.

The second part of the programme was aimed at children aged 5 to 12 years. The objective was to bring the best of what is done in the world to Angola in terms of best practices and innovative teaching tools. The children had opportunities to explore, in groups, the pedagogical and didactic games of the Portuguese brand Science for You, which are based on the STEAM methodology (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics).

STEAM toys help children to stimulate their cognitive abilities in these areas while they play. Toys such as science kits, puzzles, quizzes and logic games are great tools that help children develop logical and critical thinking, stimulate curiosity and become more aware of the world around them.

In the final part of the programme there was still time for entertainment with a band, while families danced dandiya raas.

The Education Board thanks the tutors at St. Andrews, Talim teachers and parents of children who participated in the “Aprender a Brincar” programme.