PlayMatters LtP in Emergencies Package: A Synthesis of Learnings of LtP Adaptations for Acute Emergency Response

• In Event: Adapting Learning through Play in Acute Emergencies: Resources, Strategies, and Evidence for Rapid Implementation

Proposal

Global evidence suggests that Learning through Play (LtP) methods support children’s acquisition of cognitive, social, emotional, creative, and physical skills. Play across a range of child roles is valuable in developing these skills. LtP, as guided, playful, active teaching and learning methods facilitated by a trusted adult can support children affected by conflict and crisis to mitigate the negative effects of exposure to trauma.

PlayMatters, a 6-year education initiative led by the International Rescue Committee in partnership with Plan International, War Child Holland, Innovations for Poverty Action, the Behavioral Insights Team, and the LEGO Foundation, adapted its programming to respond to emerging needs as various crises emerged. Upon the project launch, the COVID-19 pandemic led to extended school closures in project locations leading PlayMattters to develop and distribute play-based home learning packets. Additionally, the Northern Conflict in Ethiopia initiated a 1-year multi-sectoral integrated Emergency Response Mechanism (PM ERM) across four regions of Ethiopia (Afar, Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Oromia). The PM ERM utilized the aforementioned home learning packets and adapted PlayMatters’ refugee-focused teacher training content for this response. Finally, the government-initiated Accelerated Education Program (AEP) in post-conflict Tigray region of Ethiopia led the PlayMatters team to adapt the refugee-focused teacher training content again to meet the bespoke needs of an AEP. Synthesizing implementation learnings with research and monitoring data, PlayMatters has refined these content pieces into a comprehensive PlayMatters LtP in Emergencies Package with accompanying contextualization guidance for rapid deployment in acute education in emergencies response.

This presentation will present findings on the relevance and importance of LtP in emergencies. Additionally, it will share learnings on implementation and best practices for integrating LtP in acute response using the PlayMatters LtP in Emergencies Package with a particular focus on adaptation process in diverse emergency responses.

Authors

• selfago fuse, IRC

• Mackenzie Matthews, International Rescue Committee

• Jonathan Kwok, International Rescue Committee

• Anne C Smiley, IRC