Learning Through Play: TeachWell Program Taking Shape in Kakuma

On January 23, 2025, TeachWell Program Partners—the LEGO Foundation & the Grundfos Foundation—visited Gambella Primary School in Turkana County, Kenya to assess the progress made by their Teacher Professional Development initiative. This project is designed to support and empower educators in refugee and host communities across Kenya. The delegation visit highlighted the program’s commitment to improving teaching methods, classroom practices, and fostering holistic child development through innovative, child-centered pedagogical strategies. 

As a part of the visit, the delegation had the opportunity to observe lower primary school lessons, gaining first-hand insight into how teachers apply the teaching methodologies and student engagement techniques promoted by the TeachWell program. The initiative elevates the implementation of Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), by integrating a learning through play approach that nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills among learners. 

The delegation also observed a psycho-social support session led by a school counselor, which showcased techniques to address mental health challenges faced by students in high-stress environments—a key aspect of TeachWell’s inclusive education model. In addition to this, discussions were held with teachers enrolled in the pilot cohort of the Teacher Continuous Capacity Development (TCCD) program, focused on the initiative’s early impact.

TeachWell delegates expressed how impressed they were with how well the teachers had embraced the learning through play teaching pedagogy.

“It was fantastic to visit the Gambella Primary School in Kakuma and have the chance to observe several Grade 1 and 2 lessons. I was hugely impressed with how the teachers were able to engage children, to stimulate social interaction, and to spark their curiosity, particularly in the context of more than 120 children in each classroom,” remarked Rein Terwindt, the Senior Programme Specialist at The LEGO Foundation. “These teachers are such great role models for the children and we're looking forward to continuing to support them over the coming years, both in refugee settings as well as host communities”.

Feedback from educators was also overwhelmingly positive, with many stating that the new skills they acquired helped them make class more fun for the learners, which in turn, translated to improved learning outcomes.

“Learning through play has made it fun for us to teach and enjoyable for the learners. It has also improved their understanding in class because they are able to retain what they have learnt,” explained Maria Nyamal Mathok, a teacher and beneficiary of TeachWell’s TCCD program.“We really appreciate the support and hope more teachers will be enrolled in the TeachWell Program”.

Maria’s appreciation for the support and the positive impact of the TeachWell Program was echoed by her colleague, Joel Nondo Johnson, who reflected on the broader mission of education. “We are a product of the past, and the goal is to support the present in order to achieve a brighter future,” he shared thoughtfully when asked about his passion for teaching.

Input from educators like Maria and Joel will help inform adjustments and ensure the program’s long-term success in improving classroom outcomes.

Launched in collaboration with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), the LEGO Foundation, and the Grundfos Foundation, TeachWell equips teachers with knowledge, skills and tools to merge play-based learning with national curricular goals. The program targets refugee and host community teachers in Turkan and Garissa Counties in Kenya, where educational resources are often strained, aiming to bridge gaps in quality education for vulnerable children. 

The TeachWell program is implemented by a consortium of five non-governmental organizations (NGOs), each bringing unique strengths to the initiative. The consortium includes the International Rescue Committee (IRC) as the lead Partner, along with Research Triangle International (RTI), The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), the African Population and Health Research Council, and Film Aid Kenya.