The Learning Through Play (LTP) project in Nicaragua started September 2004. CCFC's Nicaragua Country Office has several local partners with whom they jointly implement community development projects. The role of Hincks-Dellcrest is to provide LTP materials and training, whereas the role of CCFC Nicaragua is to implement the program through local partners. The focus of CCFC activities in this first semester was to:

• publicize the LTP program among local partners
• build community interest, support and commitment for the program
• create a team of community organizers and professionals to plan implement and evaluate the program
• make plans for the LTP training workshops for community leaders
• prepare the materials required for the workshops and training of parents
• conduct a 5 day training workshop for master trainers and community workers

 

Selection of Key Personnel
A team of 4 community organizers (1 from CCFC and 3 local NGO representatives) was formed to plan and implement the LTP program in Nicaragua. This team meets regularly and is in charge of the overall program implementation. Another team of 6 ECD professionals (social promoters, psychologists, social workers, etc.) make up the executive team, which is in charge of planning, providing follow up and evaluating LTP activities at the community level. In addition, a team of 22 community workers was selected to roll out the program in 16 different communities. Together, these 32 workers participated in the initial 5 day LTP workshop conducted by a master trainer.

LTP Materials
All LTP materials, including calendars, games and training manuals required for the LTP program were translated and adapted to Nicaraguan Spanish. 

LTP Training Workshops
At the outset of the program, a master trainer for El Savalador traveled to Nicaragua to conduct a 5-day training workshop in LTP methodologies for 32 communities.  Project leaders, local NGO leaders, project coordinators and community trainers all came together for this event.  The plan now is for these individuals to train other community leaders to increase the number of master trainers before implementing the program with parents.

General Information

• 76 community leaders have been trained in LTP methodology and will multiply their knowledge by training others.
• Meetings have been held with at least 135 pre-school teachers regarding LTP methodology.
• Materials including calendars, games, a facilitators’ guide and a recording book were translated into Spanish. 
• 424 parents from 15 communities have attended LTP workshops.
• An estimated 1,000 children in Nicaragua have been impacted by the Learning Through Play program. 
• A National workshop for fathers was held, in order to emphasize the importance of the father’s role in the family.

 

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