Takalani Sesame seeks to help children experience the joy of learning through play
Dive into the world of play with Takalani Sesame as they launch an inspiring series of regional festivals aimed at empowering families to enhance learning through fun and interactive play.
Takalani Sesame, the renowned children’s educational brand, has launched an exciting series of regional play festivals, with the inaugural event held on September 13 at the Brixton Multipurpose Centre in Gauteng.
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Mari Payne, deputy managing director and senior director of education and outreach at Sesame Workshop International South Africa (SWISA) stated that the festival series aims to promote the crucial role of play-based learning and is set to continue in the Eastern Cape and Free State.
“In partnership with the Gauteng, Free State, and Eastern Cape Departments of Education, the LEGO Foundation, and the Oak Foundation, the Takalani Sesame Play Festival series seeks to empower parents and caregivers.”
The initiative provides them with knowledge and skills to engage children in playful activities that stimulate learning and creativity.
Research underscores play as an essential component of a child’s development, positively influencing cognitive, social, and emotional growth.
By integrating play into daily routines, parents can create valuable learning opportunities for their children.
“We aim to engage directly with parents, offering practical strategies to enhance children’s learning through play,” Payne stated.
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She emphasized the importance of creating environments where families can learn about play-based learning while having fun.
The Gauteng Department of Basic Education (GDE) supports the initiative, stressing that play is integral to early childhood education.
Phumelele Tloubatla, GDE director for early childhood development (ECD), noted, “partnering with Takalani Sesame allows us to highlight the fundamental ways children learn about the world.”
A highlight of the festival series is the mini workshops and play demonstrations, offering parents hands-on experience and insights into the newly launched Takalani Sesame WhatsApp chatbot.
Tloubatla stated that this tool provides ongoing literacy, numeracy, and learning activities. The festivals also feature interactive play stations designed by the Takalani Sesame team, using beloved characters and content from the show.
“These stations invite families to engage in diverse play-based activities, fostering a collaborative learning environment. With the festival series set to continue in October, families in the Eastern Cape and Free State can look forward to participating in these enriching play experiences.”
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