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NewsDay

AMH is an independent media house free from political ties or outside influence. We have four newspapers: The Zimbabwe Independent, a business weekly published every Friday, The Standard, a weekly published every Sunday, and Southern and NewsDay, our daily newspapers. Each has an online edition.

Foundations of joy: Nurturing early childhood education in Zim

Through play, kids develop problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence, and social bonds.  

IN the heart of Zimbabwe’s communities, the earliest years of a child’s life lay the groundwork for lifelong learning.  

As educators and caregivers, nurturing curiosity, creativity, and connection in our youngest learners is a gift we give the nation’s future. 

Play isn’t just fun — it’s how children explore, discover, and make sense of the world.  

Through play, kids develop problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence, and social bonds.  

Whether building with blocks, role-playing in a pretend shop, or crafting with natural materials like leaves and sticks, play is the ultimate learning tool.  

In Zimbabwe, we can tap into local games like Tsoro or Dadara to teach math, strategy, and teamwork in joyful ways. 

Communities are a child’s first classroom.  

When parents, grandparents and local leaders engage in early learning, they create a village  

effect that reinforces a child’s journey.  

Storytelling under village trees, hands-on nature walks, and music-rich classrooms tap into Zimbabwe’s cultural wealth, making learning feel like an adventure.  

Imagine village elders teaching kids traditional crafts like beadwork or woodcarving—passing down skills while boosting pride in heritage. 

For rural parents with limited resources, here’s the secret: creativity thrives where resources are scarce.  

Use stones, sticks, and clay to build, sort, and count.  

Create storybooks with local pictures and words in Shona or Ndebele.  

Sing songs, recite rhymes, and dance to rhythms that teach language and coordination. 

But what about tech in the mix?  

Tablets with local content can blend tradition with innovation — think interactive stories in mother tongues or educational games that celebrate Zimbabwean culture.  

Done right, tech can amplify learning without replacing hands-on play. 

Let’s champion joyful learning for every child — because the future deserves a strong start.  

When we invest in early childhood education, we sow seeds of resilience, creativity, and lifelong success. 

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