(Start at the bottom and work your way up to see how this developed from concept into reality)
This is the toy! It's made with local materials, with even the bag weaved and tailored locally.
History: December 07 - This project originated in Calgary, with a group of family and friends wishing to make a difference in the world instead of buying themselves presents for the holiday. They donated $1,000 for a pilot project, which was split between two communities to try and create a form of toys for the children. Teachers and craftsmen came together with unique ideas. They came up with dolls and blocks, and the team has since focused on the blocks due to their relative cost, functionality and ease for replication. The blocks can be used to teach math (basic to geometry), basic reading (in any language), and even geography. Schools can make more blocks if needed with local materials, and the concept can be easily replicated by anyone.
CIP Toy Project as of February 2009Big developments! The CIP team has established an affiliation with a local Community Development Association in the Moyamba Junction area of Sierra Leone. This association has established a trade school (using donated funds), teaching weaving, tailoring and carpentry. Due to their unsustainable approach, they are pressed for cash to keep the school going, and asked for our help. Initially, we said we can't give money to the school, but we could make loans to the students once they graduate to help them get started. Then, we began to get creative....
We returned the next day to talk to the trade school, asking if they would be interested in manufacturing the "toy," along with a nice bag to put the blocks in. They gave us a price of $8 US to weave the material, sew the bags and make the blocks. The school earns money, the students get experience and CIP can then go out to the schools and teach the staff how to use to toy.
Our goal is to make 500 sets in the next year, which would require $5,000 US. $8 per set would go to the school, and $2 per set would go to the extension agent taking them to the field.
CIP Toy Project as of September 2008
The team has decided to focus on the educational blocks. Watch them in action in the video below....
As of March 2008 - We are making four kinds of toys. Toy No. 1 - In Magburaka we are making African dolls, utilizing African-style hair, clothes and body shapes. No Barbies here! Toy No. 2 - Plush letters and numbers, made from scrap. The kids love them. Toy No. 3 - Alphabet blocks, made with local icons that the kids can relate to. (set of 50 blocks). Toy No. 4 - Geometric Shapes made of wood. (set of 42) Each shape will be in many colors, allowing teachers to demonstrate shapes, colors, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, volume, etc. Endless uses. We are currently making the first prototypes.
If CIP can find a major sponsor (or a bunch of minor ones), the goal would be to have 100 sets each of alphabet blocks and geometric shapes made, and then have CIP extension workers take them to local schools. Teachers would be given instruction on creative ways to use these simple, strong and locally-made learning "toys." 100 sets each = 200 x $12 ($2 for team) = $2,400 for 100 schools. Until then, we will start one school at a time.
GARBAGE TOYS OF THE PAST>>>>>
Project: Toys by the community, for the community
“Toys” from a preschool in Magburaka -->
Current Situation: A Sierra Leonean classroom provides a basic learning environment at best, but few items of “enrichment” exist. On a non-existent budget, teachers improvise literally with pieces of garbage as toys. Discarded bottles of insect repellent, sharp tomato tins and soda cans substitute for objects of play. The developmental benefits of “play,” long appreciated and expected in western cultural, are noticeably missing.
Inappropriate Response: A common response would be to conduct a fundraiser, purchase cases of new toys, and pay international shipping charges to “solve” the problem. After a long delay and significant costs, foreign toys made of plastic might reach their destination. Local craftsmen would noticeably be omitted from the resolution.
Alternative Approach: The CIP (Community Initiative Program) seeks culturally appropriate solutions, creating opportunity while serving a need. Local craftsmen would be identified and contracted to fabricate toys for schools. Teachers, local culture and available materials would shape the product produced.
Location Targeted: The towns of Magburaka and Rochen Komandao have both been identified as trial locations, each with community leaders willing to undertake the program.
Additional Benefit: It is possible that a cottage industry could develop for the production of quality toys for the local or ex-patriot market. Artisans could take advantage of this program to develop a basic line of toys in a financially secure environment. The CIP would assist craftsmen interested in taking their product to market.
Budget: Per location
(1) Labor - 2 craftsmen x 2 months x $50/month = $200
(2) Materials - (wood, nails, glue, paint) = $200
(3) Logistics - (emails, photography, oversight) = $100
Total per location = $500
Total for project = $1,000 US
