Learning through play
In 50 cocoa communities across Ghana, children are learning in a whole new way—one that puts creativity, play, and safety at the center of education.
Children in cocoa‑growing regions often face barriers to education, including limited access to quality schools and insufficient child protection measures in schools and communities.
In 2024, together with Right To Play, the Cocoa Horizons Foundation launched the My Life, My Rights (MLMR) project in four districts across the Ahafo and Ashanti regions of Ghana. The project aims to improve education and protect children through play‑based learning and strong collaboration with local actors. For over 20 years, Right To Play has been protecting, educating, and empowering children through the power of play.
“Before our teacher learned to play with us in class, it was very boring. We would fall asleep because the subjects were hard to understand. Then we started playing, and learning became easier.”
— Aisha, 13, Ghana
By integrating play-based learning and strengthening local systems, MLMR project helps keep children safe and engaged in school. It supports the development of both academic and life skills, while empowering communities to create a protective environment for children.
Ultimately, the project strengthens overall community well‑being and contributes to Ghana’s long‑term economic sustainability by reducing child labor risks and promoting access to quality education.
How it works?
Through the MLMR project, the Cocoa Horizons Foundation and Right To Play work closely with schools and communities to create safe and stimulating learning environments and to improve the wellbeing of children and community members.
The program trains 400 teachers in play‑based methodologies, enabling them to deliver inclusive, safe and stimulating lessons. Parent Teacher Associations and School Management Committees in 50 schools are also supported to strengthen education quality and school governance.
Following a child-centered and systems- strengthening approach, 20 Community Child Protection Committees are established and trained. These committees help identify child protection risks and develop locally driven solutions to create safer environments for children.
In parallel, 20 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) are established and trained to support livelihood empowerment—particularly for women—strengthening household resilience and contributing to reduced child labor risks.
Awareness‑raising campaigns on child rights reach community members through community events and child clubs, reinforcing shared responsibility for children.
The benefits?
- 17,500 children are learning in safer schools with more engaging and playful lessons.
- 10,000 parents and caregivers, teachers, and community members are actively contributing to safer environments for children.
Together, these efforts are creating safer communities for children and strengthening community participation in children’s well‑being and education.