Play is a natural learning tool in the life of an infant or a young child, it increases the child`s ability to uncover their life and adventure .Games can also be a relief for recovery from psychological stress experienced by the child.
Because every child deserves an opportunity to develop their unique potential, Joy for Children-Uganda introduced a game with benefits for the children with disabilities in the slum communities of Kampala.
It’s true a number of games in the slums where we work are designed for children without impairments some of the games familiar in the community are Football, running, jumping and riding bicycles, sadly most of these are not accommodative for a child with mobility or hearing impairments
Is there a game in this world my child can play, have fun and get benefits as well?
This question hit us hard when asked by a mother raising a child with disabilities.
While giving out Christmas gifts last year in December, We found Kenny Lonely at home seated in his Motigo wheel chair, on asking where everyone was,
The siblings have gone to play and the grandmother is watching evening news on TV. said Kenny.
We delivered the gifts and everyone was overjoyed but there was still sadness in Kenny`s eyes because his siblings were not around to play with him.
Early January, we decided to visit the community with a chess board with an intention to train Kenny and the siblings a game where he can also have fun and be able to argue with his siblings or even challenge them. The reality of chess is different it can actually be an incredible beneficial pastime game, because playing it results in better brain function, improved cognitive development abilities, strategic thinking and focus.
