After months of designing, testing, and fine-tuning, the first 100 interactive teaching materials were produced in April, May, and June! Based on field research at primary schools in the Arusha region and in collaboration with local woodworkers and IBES, reusable chalkboard puzzle pieces were developed. The reusable and multifunctional design aims to engage young children in an interactive way in classrooms where teaching materials (notebooks, pens, books, etc.) are very limited.
Over the next six months, the chalkboard puzzle pieces will be tested in primary schools in the Arusha region, Tanzania. Production was led by Gift Emmanuel and took place entirely locally—by Tanzanian laser cutters in Dar Es Salaam and woodworkers in Arusha.
The pilot phase will be further supported by Marion Hasselaar, founder of the innovative teacher training institute IBES, who is working closely with the participating schools to ensure smooth implementation.
Here's to a more child-friendly, creative, and interactive way of teaching in Tanzanian primary schools!
