This week and last, I had the pleasure to assist in two Toy Making Workshops in Machakos county. After a 3-hour drive we arrived at the health centre in Elkalakala. After a short inspection, we see many more mothers (with their children) than planned for, show up, there’s no Stima (power) and only one table, which is reserved for tea-making and -drinking by the health personnel. 

Empty beds in a ward provide the solution! We set up 3 workstations under shady trees behind the wards. 

The toys we make are to stay with the therapists, and to be used during therapy sessions. The occupational therapists and physiotherapists are trained by SEP to use a holistic approach in their treatment plan. 

Everyone is engaged and excited to make educational toys that will help their children in their development. With recyclables and low cost materials we make toys that stimulate their fine motor and cognitive skills.  To ensure success of the workshop it is important the mothers are actively engaged and make the educational toys themselves. It creates ownership and will ensure they will use it during therapy and maybe even recreate the same situation at home. 

After a couple of hours of hard work, every toy is explained and demonstrated to the mothers. A few keen children are happy to try them out and demonstrate their skills. The smiles on their faces when they succeed at throwing that ring over the stick or placing that peg on the board makes it all worthwhile!

A few days later, we sleep, eat and repeat, but this time in Masinga. Thankfully, this time we can access the church hall as the sun is giving all it has. Similarly as in Elkalakala, many more mothers show up, which also means we can work faster. 

At the end, all toys are carefully packed in a metal trunk for safekeeping. The therapists have the keys and will ensure its proper use during the next therapy session. 

Griet Kenis