The Power of Play
Through joyful storytelling and games, Literacy Power Hour transforms reading into an adventure, empowering parents and children in a refugee settlement to unlock new worlds together.
Read More In a village somewhere in Imvepi refugee settlement, where laughter drifts along dusty paths, a quiet revolution is unfolding. No banners, no megaphones; just a worn mat, a few storybooks, and the boundless power of play.
At the heart of this movement is Literacy Power Hour, an initiative that is redefining what learning looks like in rural communities. Forget rigid classrooms and rows of desks. Here, under the vast, open sky, reading is an adventure. A parent sits among a huddle of children, her smile a beacon of hope. Their eyes widen with wonder as the parent points to a page, and little hands reach eagerly for the book. For a brief moment, the dust and heat fade away, replaced by stories, songs, and games that ignite imagination.
For many children here, books are a luxury, and reading can feel like a chore. Resources are scarce, and teachers are often stretched thin. Literacy is not just about decoding words; it is about opening doors to new ideas, confidence, and opportunity. Yet, through simple games of spelling, shared storytelling, or friendly read-alouds, Literacy Power Hour transforms learning from a task into pure joy. Words become more than letters; they become keys to new worlds, grand adventures, and the stories within themselves.
The secret to this success is not only the children. It lies in the parents and caregivers, who are trained to become literacy champions. Using storybooks, flashcards with letter sounds, songs, and games, parents learn how to make reading interactive and playful.
“I never thought I could read with my children! Before Literacy Power Hour, I didn’t know how to support my children in their learning. I couldn’t tell the difference between alphabet letters and letter sounds; it was all the same to me. But through the training, I’ve got skills that allow me to truly engage with my children as they read storybooks. Now we play games, sing songs linked to stories and sounds, and even use cards to build words and create sentences together. I never knew children could learn so much through play. Literacy Power Hour has inspired me to be an active part of my children’s learning journey, and to make it joyful,” says Chandiru Santuke, a mother of five. “Now, we explore new worlds together every day. My children look forward to our reading time more than anything.”
Workshops for parents are lively, hands-on experiences. Caregivers practice reading aloud, dramatize stories, and play letter and word games. At first, many are hesitant. They fear they might make mistakes or that reading is too complicated. But by the end of each session, laughter fills the air as children and parents engage in playful competitions, spelling challenges, and dramatic storytelling. Through repetition and joy, children absorb new concepts without even realising they are learning.
One parent describes a typical session: “We start with a story. Then we play a game where children create a story together or form words with letter cards. Everyone joins in, cheering and participating. By the end, the children can recall details, spell words, and even tell the story in their own words.”
This approach is rooted in research that shows play is a powerful vehicle for learning, particularly for young children. Play lowers stress, increases engagement, and promotes curiosity. When children associate learning with joy, they are more likely to develop long-term literacy skills and a love for reading. But Literacy Power Hour goes further; it embeds this play into the fabric of the community by empowering caregivers.
The ripple effects are profound. Consider Ivan, a quiet seven-year-old who rarely spoke in class. At the first Literacy Power Hour, he sat silently while others engaged. Within weeks, he was racing to the front, reading aloud with confidence, and participating in every game. Ivan says he enjoys reading books and is now able to sound out letters. When we randomly mentioned different letters, he confidently gave us the correct sounds for each one. His mother beams with pride: “I have never seen him so excited about learning. Now, he teaches his younger siblings the songs and games. Reading has become part of our family life.”
These transformations extend beyond individual children. Communities see higher engagement, stronger relationships between parents and children, and a growing sense of shared responsibility for education. Every story shared, every game played, every smile is a testament to the power of a heart-centred approach to literacy.
Even simple tools have an incredible impact. A tattered mat becomes a stage for storytelling. Flashcards and worn storybooks become keys to curiosity. And behind it all, a dedicated team of educators guides, encourages, and celebrates every small victory. Their work proves that literacy is not only about instruction; it is about connection, empowerment, and joy.
The philosophy is simple but profound: to light a fire in a child’s mind, you must first touch their heart. Literacy Power Hour demonstrates this every day. Parents become mentors, children become explorers, and communities become champions of learning.
It’s a movement that thrives on small wins: a child reading aloud for the first time, a parent tracing letters with their child’s finger, a group of friends laughing as they act out a story. Each moment contributes to a foundation of confidence, curiosity, and resilience that will last a lifetime.
This is more than literacy. It is love in action. And love, when woven through stories, play, and shared experiences, has the power to rewrite a child’s future.