Cotlands teaches skills through play

Cotlands is a non-profit organisation which provides effective health, psychosocial and early learning play-based development opportunities to help South African children thrive.

The reason for the challenge is to highlight the importance of playing to learn and learning to play.

Since 1936 Cotlands has been a beacon of hope for the orphaned and vulnerable children of South Africa.

At present, Cotlands is focusing heavily on early childhood development to address developmental gaps caused by poverty, poor health and other life circumstances.

Cotlands has instituted early childhood development programmes which are delivered through community-based play sessions and active learning toy libraries. Through this programme Cotlands is able to reach children who have no access to early childhood development centres.

The toys and activities are specifically selected to develop a particular life or cognitive skill area. Some of the play stations are mathematic concepts, games and puzzles, language skills and reading.

Every child attending an early learning group also receives a healthy meal, and the services of a qualified nurse and social worker.

“Investing in children today will have a significant impact on their later development,” explained Cotlands CEO, Jackie Schoeman. “It is our belief that by offering vulnerable children early educational opportunities, we are able to influence their health and psychosocial development as well as cognitive development in maths, science, language and creative thinking skills.”

This year the challenge will take place on 15 March from 10am to 1pm and confirmed soapies taking part are 7de Laan, Muvhango and Rhythm City. To support your favourite soapie team SMS the word ‘scrabble’ and the name of the soapie team to 38585.

The cost of the SMS is R10 with the proceeds going towards Cotlands toy libraries.

For every SMS one point will also be added to Cotlands’ scrabble score.

Details: www.cotlands.org