Kenechukwu is pictured here in Nigeria’s first ever board game cafe, which he created after a successful crowdfunding campaign.
As a youth volunteer for VSO in 2013, changemaker Kenechuwku Cornelius Ogbuabe realised that by playing, children learn so much more. It inspired him to design games that help players learn.
After my studies, when I became a programme officer for VSO, I pitched my board game Luku Luku to my colleagues, explaining how it could help children learn mathematics. I also trained 150 teachers how to use those board games in the classroom.
Important skills
“Through board games, children learn skills like waiting for their turn and accepting losing, as well as communication, comprehension and problem solving. Board games can also be designed to directly support the curriculum.”
Representation in board games
“In 2019, I started a crowdfunder, which helped me to open Nigeria’s first board game cafe – it’s inspired people all over the world! But it’s also given us the ability to bring people together to play board games that reflect the Nigerian culture, which I think is really important. When Nigerians see their culture, skin colour and phrases on a board game, it’s identity building and it’s liberating. You feel free. I believe the games we play change who we are.”
Credits
Written by: Hannah Akitt
Edited by: VSO Netherlands