Play-based learning vital for children’s development: Speakers at BRAC event

An information and experience-sharing event on play-based learning, inclusive education, and children’s psychosocial development was organised by the BRAC Education Programme.

The event took place on Thursday, 18 December, at the BRAC Centre in Dhaka, bringing together government policymakers, development partners, researchers, educationists, donor agencies, representatives from public and private institutions, and members of the media, according to a press release. 

The event was organised under the project titled Advocacy for Play, Early Learning and Socio-Emotional Development in Bangladesh.

Research findings, field experiences, and policy recommendations were presented, focusing on play-based approaches to early learning readiness, socio-emotional support, and improving the quality of education.

Speaking as the chief guest, Abu Noor Md Shamsuzzaman, Director General of the Directorate of Primary Education, said, “In the coming days, alongside the government, non-government development organisations must also step forward to ensure quality education for children.”

Earlier, in his welcome address, Safi Rahman Khan, Director of BRAC’s Education, Skills Development and Migration Programme, emphasised the importance of expanding play-based learning initiatives in line with the research findings generated by the Play Lab in the future.

Mohammad Moazzem Hossain, Programme Head of the BRAC Education Programme, delivered an overview presentation on Play Lab (Khelar Jagat).

Research findings on the effectiveness of the initiative were also shared at the event.

The research revealed that teachers who have received training in play-based learning methods are positively influencing other teachers within their schools. They are sharing their knowledge and experiences with colleagues, thereby enabling other teachers to apply play-based learning approaches more effectively.

During the discussion session, speakers stressed the need for joint efforts by both government and non-government actors to scale up play-based learning nationwide.

The session was moderated by K A M Morshed, Senior Director at BRAC, who urged policymakers to design programmes based on community-level needs.

The event also featured in-depth discussions on coordinated planning among various government ministries, divisions and agencies; strategies for enhancing teachers’ skills; the use of research-based evidence in formulating national policies; monitoring the education system; mutual experience-sharing; and the use of data and evidence to evaluate skills development initiatives, the release adds.