Dr. Katherine Green and Dr. Kelly Torres smile at the camera in photograph inset on a banner displaying their names.

The Power of Play: Implementing Trauma-Informed Learning Strategies

Drs. Kate Green and Kelly Torres traveled to East Africa last year to conduct play-based and trauma-informed training sessions at an early learning center in Tanzania.

In Tanzania, traditional educational approaches often neglect the importance of play-based learning and the development of social-emotional skills, creating a crucial need for educator and caregiver training. To address this gap, Drs. Kate Green and Kelly Torres conducted follow-up play-based and trauma-informed training sessions at an early learning center in Tanzania, where children have been exposed to various traumatic experiences.

These sessions emphasized the profound positive impact of play-based learning on children’s overall development and academic progress. Employing a train-the-trainer model, they collaborated with Pamoja Leo to create comprehensive guides and training materials on play-based learning, trauma-informed practices, and gentle discipline techniques.

During their visit in March 2024, Drs. Green and Torres conducted in-depth workshops aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of the NGO staff, educators, and caregivers with children in the early childhood program. The overall project goal was for Drs. Green and Torres to empower the NGO staff, educators, and caregivers to become proficient trainers allowing them to disseminate essential knowledge and strategies within their local communities.

This project is vital in fostering sustainable educational practices that prioritize the holistic well-being and development of children in Tanzania with particular focus on those who have experienced trauma.

The Chicago School's Drs. Kate Green and Kelly Torres pose and smile in a group photo with staff at an early learning center in Tanzania.

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