Toys and Learning Materials Made By Parents for Children in Kenya

By Stephen Kisingi Lenaiyasa

Samburu Parents gathering materials for making outdoor play and learning materials)

1ST DECEMBER 2004

Toys and learning materials made by parents for children in Kenya PREAMBLE Material development for both learning and play are a key component in the Early Childhood Care and Development program (ECCD) . This is based on the fact that Play and learning materials have a significant role in a Childs growth and development. Such materials include swings, dolls, balls and others. Christian Childrens Fund Kenya has through its early childhood development projects encouraged development of play and learning materials using locally available resources within the community as a way of early stimulation for development. Play occupies a significant amount of time in a childs life especially the under 8 years old. It is because of this fact that most of the home based and institutional ECCD centers are equipped with child friendly playing materials relevant to their immediate community. Objective for play and learning material development include -: To enhance socialization To Promote team work To appreciate and preserve cultural values that contribute to the resilience in children. Materials are produced in ECCD centers by Caregivers, Parents, Volunteer parents, Pre-schools teachers, ECCD Center Committee members and Local Leaders.

Early Childhood Care and Development Program CCF has been committed to supporting children in getting the best start in life through quality Early Childhood Care and Development program. The program is geared towards supporting the integral growth and development of children 0-8 years. It is based on the believe that development begins at conception and learning begins at birth. It involves families and the entire communities and partners to ensure children grow and develop to be resilient in life. CCF Kenya Early Childhood Care and Development Program (ECCD) builds on existing family and community traditional structures ,knowledge and skills to intervene for the disadvantaged children. This involves expanding and improving early childhood care and education facilities, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children. The program propagates for all young children to be nurtured in safe and caring environments that allow them become healthy, resilient and secure .CCF Kenya over the years has obtained evidence that good quality early childhood care and education, both in families and in more structured programme, have a positive impact on the survival, growth, development and learning potential of children. The program focuses on childrens needs encompassing physical, cognitive, socioemotional and language development needs. It encourages and promotes the use of a childs mother tongue to build child identity and inculcate community values as well as enrich the care and development of children. The program is unique and has taken different forms in the country. This has been necessitated by the diversity of culture and prevailing circumstances in the different communities.

Christian Children's Fund is an International organization that works for the well being of children by supporting locally led initiatives that strengthen families and communities in human and community development. In Kenya, the organization supports communities that live within the operational areas of its 48 affiliated Community Based Organizations within 31 districts countrywide. CCF envisages a society that nurtures and develops all children to realize their maximum potential. Its mission is to promote growth and well being of children by empowering families and communities to utilize available resources and opportunities for children sustainable benefits. The organization works through programs such as early childhood care and development and education, health and nutrition.

Building on the cultural strengths For example, pastoralist communities have admirable child rearing practices through the loipi model ,which CCF - Kenya joined the community to revive strong values which were disappearing and build on them. The loipi (shade) concept has commendably promoted optimal nutrition and good health, reduced child mortality, enhanced child physical growth, cognitive, social and stimulation for the children as well as enhancing the school enrollment among the pastoralist communities. The loipi Loipi system amongst the Samburu community for example is as old as the history of the Samburu people. The community uses it to mean a circular fenced off area in the shade of big acacia trees that serves as a day care facility for children. Loipi (plural) can be translated as shades that provide refuge from the scorching sun. Traditionally there were tree shades for men and for women, where they rested during the day. The shades were a famous meeting place in Samburu land as 75% of their land is hot and dry and this means that inside their huts was very hot and thus not conducive for holding meetings or resting during the day. Within these place the parents use mud ,shrubs ,wood ,animal skins ,ropes ,stone ,waste , old and used fabric materials ,traditional colors, beads and shells to make the play materials.

A section of the Bendera loipi

Loipi (shade)

Western Kenya The second example is of the sedentary fishermen of western Kenya. The community is called Luo where their culture demands that homesteads of dead couples should be abandoned to dilapidate and eventually collapse. Their settlements are densely populated , high level of poverty and high prevalence of HIV/AIDS scourge coupled with land shortage triggered CCF K through the ECCD program to utilize these huts as home based child care centers for young orphans and children from the neighborhood. The community has at its disposal banana fibers, bottle tops, old tattered clothes, sisal, soil, ropes, stone, used paper bags, Leafs, waste cartons and sacks that are used to make the learning and play materials for the children.

Central Kenya The third examples, in other parts of central Kenya, local churches are utilized as daycare centers during weekdays. The learning and play materials are made in the church compound by parents using local materials and given to children to manipulate while at the center.

Kamwimbi ECCD center (CCF Kenya Ishara project)

Play materials no.1 1.1 Photos

1.2 Names Indigenous sanga liliou (Samburu),Akipunet (Turkana) English - swing(s) 1.3 Construction The structures are made using poles and loose suspended ropes. The structures vary in height depending on the age and height of children and materials used. Some swings are made with or without sitting surfaces that vary in width and material used e.g. tyres or wood. 1.4 Usage Children swing to and fro with the help of the rope moderating speed as one requires. The child can push him/herself or the peers or the caregivers can push to gain higher heights. 1.5 Benefit Helps the children in strengthening their large muscles in the backs and hand.

Keeps their minds engaged and increases concentration. Promotes interaction and turn taking.

Development of own balance. Builds confidence.

Play materials no.2 2.1 Photos

2.2 Names Indigenous - sirit (singular) sirito (plural) (Samburu ) Kiswahili - NGAZI English - LADDER 2.3 Construction The structures are made of wood. Two strong poles are erected on the ground two on each side, a number of wooden planks fixed across the two erected poles on each side, and then a flat wide pole is fixed at the meeting point of the four poles as a bridge. 2.4 Usage Children compete as they run up the ladders and down while their peers cheers them. The children climb from one point to the other in turn. 2.5 Benefit

Helps stimulate the ability to withstand fatigue as they climb a mountain or raised grounds later in life. Helps develop stronger muscles.
Children are able to climb up the trees fast in times of danger e.g. when chased by wild animals. Enhance the courage of children. Build confidence Recreational activity for socialization.

Play materials no.3 Photo 3.1

3.2 Names Indigenous Ngorimba, Nkirashai ,Enkaji (Samburu) AKOI (Turkana) Kiswahili - Nyumba English - Hut 3.3 Construction
This is a traditional toy hut for a Samburu community; The toy hut measures approx. one and a half meters from the group, and it serves all the family members. Its constructed using twigs of trees and plastered with ash mixed with cow dung and mud. It contains the bedroom (ruat), resting area (iture) and kitchen (akima). The hut has one door opening (nkutukengaji) which is the in-let and outlet of the house at the rear . It has an opening acting as a window (longu).

3.4 Usage

Children especially girls enter the house and imitate the role of mothers at home e.g. cooking, house arrangements and tidying, while boys assemble stones and imitate the role of fathers by herding.

3.5 Benefit
Helps the children develop and appreciate their traditional setting, imitate parents as well as learn roles expected of them as they become future adults of the community. Helps children develop and retain their in-born practices in contrast to modern lifestyle. Enhances children appreciation of own sexes and gender roles.

Play materials no.4 Photo 4.1

4. 2 Names Indigenous - Lumwa (Samburu) ALOLOTY(Turkana) English Tunnels 4.3 Construction The structures are made using fresh twigs of trees, which are folded and fixed on the ground on both ends, a chain of the twigs is alternated varying from a taller to a shorter one and it continues(the twigs should be smooth to avoid injuries to children). 4.4 Usage When children play is in progress the children make a line on one side and run trough the structure in turns. A song may be sung as they run they run from one end to another. 4.5 Benefit Helps develop childrens: ! Strong back muscles ! Flexibility in muscle co-ordination. ! Develop social interaction skills ! Develop security and emotional satisfaction

Play materials no.5 Photo 5.1

5. 2 Names Indigenous - Nkasiri (Samburu) English Puzzle 5.3 Construction The puzzle is made using hard paper, where the caregiver makes sketches of different items and animals. The children use it and try to make up the animals and objects they know. 5.4 Usage Different structured parts of the various items e.g. domestic animals, houses, trees, dolls are mixed up and children are given to make up the full models. Always there are key parts of each item to guide the child. The caregivers always demonstrate. 5.5 Benefit
Enhances Cognitive development Children are able to differentiate items as well a make them enhancing physical and cognitive growth and development. Enhance concentration span for children. Identify different textures Develop manipulation skills

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Play materials no.6 Photo 6.1 6.2 NAMES Indigenous- Nkitanyanukot (Samburu) Kiswahili - Wanyama wa pori English - Wild animals models 6.3 Construction These are models of wild animals (Elephant, ostrich, crocodile, giraffes) made of clay, wood, shrubs and local paints. 6.4 Usage. The animal models are used during story telling by grandmothers and other caregivers in the centers Children hide in them during pretend play 6.5 Benefit The modeled animals are used by the caregivers to educate the children on the wild animals within the community Children can be able to differentiate between the dangerous animals from the domestic animals. Children are taught the value of the wild animals and the need to preserve them.

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Play materials no.7 Photo 7.1 7.2 NAME Indigenous - Ntames (Samburu) Kiswahili - Ngamia English - Camel 7.3 Construction
The models of domestic animals help children to appreciate them and know how to keep them, this is critical for boys as they learn herding skills.

7.4 Usage The model camel is used by the caregivers to educate the children on the benefits of camels. 7.5 Benefit
It helps the children to know the use and value attached to specific domestic animals. It gives children an opportunity to clearly distinguish between one domestic animal and another. It prepares the young children in advance of the roles expected of them in their adulthood. It gives children an opportunity to be pre-occupied and socialized as they herd in groups.

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Play materials no.8 Photo 8.1

8.2 NAME Indigenous - Nkurumba (Samburu) Kiswahili Punda English - Loaded Donkey 8.3 Construction The toy donkey is made using fresh twig of trees and strong poles tied together using barks and pieces of clothes the structure gives a portrait of traditional form of transport hence children load and unload the structure and lead it around 8.4 Usage

8.5 Benefit

Used for learning and demonstrations by caregivers. Used for story telling Learn the donkey roles. Used as a resting place for younger children as caregivers rest and share experiences. It helps in stimulating and acquisition of migrating skills to young children e.g. loading and unloading of the donkey structure, which acts as traditional means of transport. Helps children to know use, and value attached to specific domestic animals. It gives the children an opportunity to be pre-occupied and socialize as they help each other in loading and unloading. Keeps them busy and make them forget their mothers at home hence stop crying. It helps stimulate the childs exploration and discovery skills as they touch. Stimulate imagination and abstract thinking among young children.

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Play materials no.9 Photo 9.1 9.2 Names Indigenous - Loidi English - High jump 9. 3 Construction
The structure is made using two either y-shaped or flat stumps erected on the ground 5m apart from each other and one horizontal stick loosely and temporarily placed on the y-points on both sides, the children then jump as high as possible to cross the horizontal stick. the top should be loose so as not to injure the child who is unable to jump over ,it is also light in weight.

9.4 Usage
The children jump high across the horizontal stick, which is adjusted higher depending on the childs ability to jump higher.

9.5 Benefit

Helps develop childrens: ! Body muscles. ! Strengthening of their bones.

! !

Builds confidence in children through encouragement . Promote competition among children.

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Photo 10.1 10. 2 NAME Indigenous - Nkelde English - Tyres and rings Rings 10.3 Construction
Old cars and bicycles tyres. The rings can be made using a flexible twig(s) which bent and tied to make a circular ring.

10.4 Usage

10.5 Benefit

Children play with them by rolling using both hands. Several children compete with each other using their own Nkelde (wheel) the competition may be within a given area. Swing across the waist. It helps develop hand coordination in young children. Develops the young children in muscular development. Promote child to child learning. Enhances concentration.

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Play materials no.11 Photo 11.1

11. 2 NAME English Playing wooden bars 11. 3 Construction The structure is made of firm wood, All ends are firmly fixed on poles that are attached to the ground .The wood is polished to eliminate injuries and then painted. 11.4 Usage Children jump over the wood ,crawl under the wings as they play moving round and round Children sit on the flat surfaces all round and is also used as a resting area for children. 11.5 Benefit Strong muscular development especially the back muscles as the activity involves moderate bending. Enables the children to withstand fatigue as the activity involves a lot of running and moderate bending.

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Play materials no.12 Photo 12.1 12. 2 NAME English - See-saws 12.3 Construction The structure has one strong short pole fixed firmly on the ground. A large hole is made near the top quarter of the pole, then a horizontal wooden bar is slide through and barriers fixed at both ends. 12.4 usage Children of different weight sit on the horizontal bar on either side and try to raise each other to a balance. The number of children on the see saw depend on the weight of the peers and the strength of the bar. 12.5 Benefit Develops eye hand co-ordination. Develops social interaction skills Promotes child ability to balance Develops self confidence.

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Play materials no.13 Photo 13.1 13. 2 Names Kiswahili Aina tofauti ya vitu vya michezo ya watoto kama mpira , English assortment of toys and learning materials. 13. 3 Construction Different materials are used ranging from wood, hard paper, beads, clay, sisal, used fabrics, used sacks and banana fibers. 13.4 How to use Used within the daycares centers. 13. 5 Benefit to the child Stimulate creative imagination Introduce to puppet shows Promote socialization

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Play materials no.14 Photo 14.1 14.2 Names Indigenous Ntotoi (Samburu ) 14.3 Construction The structure is made up of wood or soft stone where several depressions are made where smoothened stones are put in. 14.4 Usage Children place stones in the depression; each should hold a maximum of three stone. The child then collects all stone when a maximum of three are reached and continues. Two to three children can play the game. 14.5 Benefit
o o Enhance Childs ability to count and simple arithmetics develop skills and creativity styles

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Play materials no.15 Photo 15.1

15.2 Names Indigenous Lotirtir ,likopita (Samburu) Kiswahili - Ndege English - Helicopter 15.3 Construction Clay, shrubs and pieces of metal are used to model the helicopter. 15.4 Usage
Used by caregivers and grandparents during story telling. Children play in them as hiding areas.

15.5 Benefit Children can identify teachers not within their local area.

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Play materials no.16 Photo 16.1

16.2 Name Indigenous - Lmarseli (Lmarsewin) Samburu English Dolls 16.3 Construction
The dolls are made using different materials , commonly used are the tattered clothes ,leaves seeds ,sisal fibers ,banana fibers e.t.c

The banana fibers are put in water to easy the work. 16.4 Usage For role play. 16.5 benefit
Identification of gender roles.

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Play materials no.17 Photo 17.1

17.2 Names Kiswahili Mpira English - Balls 17.3 Construction

This is made up of used fabrics, leaves, and papers, wrapped in a polythene paper then secured by strings.

16.4 Usage Kicking and throwing 16.5 benefit Helps in muscular development.

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Play materials no.18 Photo 18.1

17.2 Names Indigenous Nkirinkirimi (Samburu ) English bottle tops. 17.3 Construction They are collected within the shopping centers. 16.4 Usage Children make blocks ,numbers ,letters using them 16.5 benefit Children are able to learn counting. Develops the fine motor skills

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Play materials no.19 Photo 19.1

17.2 Names Indigenous Nampai (Samburu) English Alphabetical letters and numerical numbers. 17.3 Construction Beads, skin, paints, used sacks, empty containers, threads are used. 16.4 Usage Used as teaching aids 16.5 benefit Child can identify with the materials.

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