Designed to provide a safe and stimulating space for displaced and vulnerable children
Since September 2018
BRAC Humanitarian Play Labs
Caters to children residing in the refugee camps of Cox’s Bazaar aged 0-6 years.
Target age groups: 0-2, 2-4 and 4-6.
The HPL Model
The HPL model focuses on three age groups: 0-2, 2-4 & 4-6.
0-2
Home-based model.
Conducted with pregnant women and mothers. Counseling on childcare, child health, maternal mental health & etc.
2-4
Implemented in a center where children engage in a curriculum which is an adaptation and customization of the BRAC’s Play Lab model.
4-6
Psychosocial distress is one of the thematic areas of this HPL model, which integrates psychosocial support into the play curriculum.
A Home Away From Home
HPL focuses on cultural retention. All activities are conducted in the Rohingya language. Art and painting was integral to the Rohingya culture. Women and girls would decorate the walls of their houses, called alpona. Indoor Swnings hanging from the ceiling, known as the samiyana. Thus the alpona and samiyana became fundamental to the HPL design, so that women and children could recreate their space of comfort.
Collaborations
Partnered with BRAC, Sesame Workshop, and UNICEF. Funded by The LEGO Foundation, designed and delivered 304 Humanitarian Play Labs (HPL) in camps across Ukhiya, Teknaf & areas of Cox’s Bazar. Also partnered with BRAC Education Programme and piloted 50 HPLs with a focus on Early Years’ Learning, later scaled up with an additional 36 HPLs.
