BRAC, LEGO Foundation launch $50m initiative to bring play-based learning to children

BRAC and LEGO Foundation have launched a $50 million initiative to expand safe, inclusive and play-based learning opportunities for children affected by humanitarian crises in Bangladesh and Uganda over the next five years. 

The programme, "Sustaining Play, Learning and Skills in Humanitarian Contexts (SPLASH)", aims to reach 400,000 children and adolescents with education, mental health and skills development support while also strengthening the capacity of parents, teachers and local communities to create nurturing learning environments. The initiative was unveiled at an event in Dhaka today (13 July). 

Speaking as the chief guest, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said, "It is our collective responsibility to ensure children receive positive care, dignity and opportunities. If we invest in their well-being today, they will become capable citizens who can lead the country in the future."

At the second session of the event, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj said play-based learning can foster children's interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) from an early age.

He said the government is reviewing BRAC's Play Lab and STEM Lab models and plans to launch pilot projects in several hundred government primary schools. If successful, the initiative will be expanded to around 65,000 government primary schools nationwide. Authorities will also consider making similar labs mandatory in private primary schools and other educational institutions.

BRAC Executive Director Asif Saleh said development programmes should be locally driven and responsive to community needs.

"Over the past 50 years, BRAC has developed cost-effective, scalable and evidence-based models that can be expanded further through partnerships with the government and development organisations," he said.

NGO Affairs Bureau Director General (Secretary) Dr Mohammad Zakaria said the programme could play a significant role in supporting children affected by recent heavy rains, particularly Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox's Bazar.

Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammad Mizanur Rahman said successful interventions implemented in the Rohingya camps could also be adapted for other parts of Bangladesh to benefit more children.

In a video message, Tarek Alami, vice president and head of International Programmes at the LEGO Foundation, said the partnership with BRAC is built on locally led, evidence-based and sustainable approaches to improving children's lives.

According to the organisers, more than 473 million children worldwide currently live in conflict or humanitarian settings, while over 52 million remain out of school, limiting their access to education, protection and mental health services.

The first phase of SPLASH in Bangladesh will run from June 2026 to December 2028. It will provide age-specific support for children from birth to 18 years, including responsive caregiving for young children and families, play-based early learning in Rohingya camps and host communities, support for pre-primary and primary education, and life skills, vocational training, mentoring and livelihood support for adolescents.

Speakers at the launch underscored the importance of play-based learning in helping children recover, learn and thrive in crisis-affected environments.