Traditional Children's Games in Tanzania

Rhonda Clements
School of Education
Manhattanville College
Purchase, New York

Margareth Messanga
Messa Education Centre
Mwanza, Tanzania

Anna-Marie Millbank
Faculty of Sport, Health and Social Care
University of Gloucestershire
Gloucester, England

Faculty of Sport, Health and Social Care
University of Gloucestershire
Gloucester, England

Citation: Clements, Rhonda, Margareth Messanga and Anna-Marie Millbank (2008). "Traditional Children's Games in Tanzania." Children, Youth and Environments 18 (2): 206-218. Retrieved [date] from http://www.colorado.edu/journals/cye/

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Abstract

There is little media coverage or research on children in Africa who have succeeded beyond the hardships of conflict, natural disasters, AIDS and poverty, and manage to secure appropriate schooling and play environments. This field report describes traditional children’s games played in Mwanza, Tanzania.  Data were collected over a five-year period through questionnaires, field testing with children, and ongoing correspondence.  The traditional games we have identified provide important opportunities for Tanzanian children to use movement and problem-solving skills, develop teamwork and creativity skills, challenge themselves, and connect with their heritage.

Keywords: Tanzania, East Africa, culture, traditional games, education, play