Using Play to Foster Healthy Development of Children in Africa

Learning Through Play (LTP) is a curriculum-based training program for parents and caregivers that is rooted in the science of child development. The objectives of this LTP project are: i) to ensure that approximately 17 640 children under the age of seven in Ethiopia and Ghana achieve healthier physical social emotional and cognitive development so that they are better prepared to enter primary school; and ii) to reduce the exposure of these children to physical and verbal abuse. The project aims to train approximately 588 nurses midwives teachers and childcare workers in Ethiopia and Ghana who then deliver the training to up to 8 820 parents and caregivers in using play and other techniques to ensure the healthy development of their young children. LTP training also contributes to reduced gender-based violence in the target communities.