Africa is stuck in a cycle of poverty. Stuck in a cycle of corruption. We are certainly not the first people to point that out. We are also not the first people to ask what to do about it. It’s a tough, complex, and painful history that continues to hurt and harm the peoples of our continent. And so we are stuck. Our Executive Director, Rita Ezenwa-Okoro, has a bold proposition: Play can help Africa get unstuck. 

Play - and therefore creativity, imagination, and improvisation – is a crucial ingredient for innovation and social progress. Without play, we stagnate, and the social injustices that plague our societies remain unaddressed. For Africa to thrive, Rita believes that we must embrace play as a vital part of our culture.

At the recent GPB Africa Launch, over 50 passionate participants joined from Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. In an intense and colorful dialogue, we heard from powerful speakers — Elizabeth Adams, Alex Sutherland, and Rita Ezenwa-Okoro — who shared their experiences of using play to empower educators, activists, and social workers. Their stories illuminate how play can unleash the incredible potential of Africans.

Elizabeth Adams, an advocate for individuals with albinism and a dedicated educator, shared her innovative approaches to rekindling communication and teamwork among teachers after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through initiatives like Teachers Circle Time and Playing with Emotions, Elizabeth introduced play and improvisation for her staff – creating a safe environment that fostered collaboration and productivity. Breaking down the communication barriers between the teachers in turn supports the education and development of the students, the future of Africa.

Then we heard from Alex Sutherland, a passionate performance activist and former university professor. She shared her journey of bringing play into unexpected places in South Africa—like prisons and psychiatric hospitals, and with street children who used victimhood to make money. Alex and her team encouraged the street kids to use their creativity and performance arts to tell stories. These children have gone on to become regular performers at the National Arts Festival and are no longer seen as victims but as storytellers in their own rights who have had the opportunity to travel from a small village in South Africa to England for that purpose. Alex’s work shows that play can transform even the most challenging environments and create meaningful connections.

The energy in the room (or rather, the Zoom call!) was electric, with attendees eager to share their thoughts. Here are a few standout reflections:

Lambert said, “Play equals wellbeing! I can’t wait to keep this momentum going.”

Wankoyo added, “We need to make play a part of our culture, so it becomes natural for everyone, regardless of age”

Beatrice’s question sparked a lively discussion: “Where do we draw the line between sports and play?” Rita responded, “Sports can be competitive, but the play we advocate for is about uplifting everyone and celebrating individuality.”

Cedric chimed in, sharing his personal philosophy: “It’s not about the activity itself; it’s about how we approach it. If we focus too much on competition, we risk losing the joy and creativity that play brings.”

At GPB, we’re on a mission to integrate play into every aspect of life—whether it’s engineering, medicine, or sports. With the launch of GPB Africa, we’re committed to making play a cornerstone of development across the continent.

We invite you to be part of this exciting journey! If you’re passionate about play and want to contribute your skills and creativity, please fill out this FORM with your information. And don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group to stay updated on all things GPB.

Save the Date! On September 21, 2024, GPB Africa will host its first regional playshop, PAMOJA: A Playful Africa. We’d love to see you there.

Let’s break down the barriers that keep Africa stuck and discover the transformative power of play together.