My name is Esther. Iam in Primary 4, 14 years old. Before the Team Up Games I used to have a lot of thoughts, I would isolate myself and would escape from school. My friends and I used to be unhappy, fight with one another and think of the world ending.
When the Team Up play activities were introduced, it reduced my stress especially when I participated in the physical activities. I used to fear but now fear has disappeared. The pain I used to feel is no more. The games were interesting, during play, I would not think of escaping to go home and to the streets. I would go to class when I am refreshed. When I play, my mind becomes free.
Team up is good. During the team up times and now, the teachers stopped beating us because we no longer fought and caused trouble for friends. It made us friendly and socialize with others. I no longer see the facilitators often and our bodies are no longer active since they used to support us play. Are you going to bring Team Up play again?”, asks Esther.
Team Up is a structured psychosocial support initiative that uses play and movement-based activities to help children manage stress, build resilience, and reconnect with themselves and others. The program created safe spaces in schools and communities for children to heal, learn, and grow.
Esther’s story is one of many. Through structured, inclusive, and joyful play, Team Up transformed schools into safe havens where children could heal, connect, and thrive. For children like Esther, Team Up was more than an activity; it was a lifeline. It helped reduce violence, boost attendance, improve emotional well-being, and create positive relationships among peers and teachers.
The energy, the smiles, the sense of belonging has slowly begun to fade however we continue to build safe spaces, revive hope, and continue to heal young hearts one game at a time. Let us not leave play behind.
