#SendMeToSchool values the importance of playing in educational and personal development. This post was contributed by Desta Seyoum.
When I was a child, the school days were longer than they are now in Southern Ethiopia. I used to play sports and I was also free to play after school, on weekends, and all summer long with friends.
A school was the place to thrive, not just because I was receiving an education, but because I had the freedom to play, and a sense of acceptance from my peers. Most of the physical, social, moral, and emotional problems I have had in life required the judgment and creative ability that come with a life experience embedded in play.
These days, however, many schools in Ethiopia lack material resources to afford all children the opportunity to play and learn together. Schools are struggling to use sport and play activities as a means to engage children in learning and knowledge critical for their development. School days are also much shorter.
In addition to that, the need for child labor is increasing, and families are forced to take away children’s freedom to play. Children who do not attend school have little opportunity to play sports or pursue their passions and develop life skills. They spend much of their time in focused on basic economic activities aimed at supporting their poor families.
For Ethiopian children, going to school means an opportunity to play sports, and more time to just be a kid and enjoy life. It allows them to follow their drive to play and grow physically strong. This creates mentally, socially and emotionally resilient young people.
Watch these children play in Ethiopia!
Give students in Ethiopia the chance to play all day by signing up for a recurring donation of $21/month or more! Allow their minds to grow so they have opportunities similar to me!
Roots Ethiopia is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization working in Africa, specifically helping Southern Ethiopia. Roots Ethiopia supports community identified solutions for job creation and education.
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