Play Around the World

Project Overview

Children of all ages learn about their world through play. Through the Play Around the World service-learning course, students encourage children in Southeast Asia and Northern Canada to play games and participate in other forms of physical activity.

The students develop a sense of global citizenry by serving children of all ages and abilities in schools, orphanages, community-based organizations and government agencies. The program encourages students to broaden their worldview as they live and work in a culture different from their own.

Offered by the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, Play Around the World provides students with the opportunity to learn about play leadership, global citizenship and a different culture.

To prepare for their trip, the students work in a local school, meet with weekly guest speakers for inter-cultural discussions, language and adapted physical activity lessons.

Learning to Communicate Through Play

Walking into a school for deaf children in Thailand last summer, Meghan Klettke, '14 BPE had what she called a "destabilizing" moment.

"We didn't know how to communicate with them. Our Thai and sign language were limited, and here these kids are, waiting to play with us. It was overwhelming."

But the magic and the power of play soon took hold when a handful of blue streamers was brought out and tucked into little pockets and waistbands. Klettke and her classmates started a game of tail tag, and soon the youngsters were rocketing around the room.

A natural athlete who wrestled and played basketball and volleyball throughout school, Klettke believes in the larger value of physical education and activity. Joining the Play Around the World program was a natural fit.

Klettke took the service-learning course offered through the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation as part of her university studies. She spent a three-month summer placement in Thailand teaching and learning about play leadership, global citizenship and a different culture.

Now a teacher helping her students navigate the complexity of mastering English as a second language, Klettke, who plans to pursue graduate studies, is applying what she's learned.

"I'm more capable of putting myself into someone else's shoes and understanding where they are coming from," said Klettke. "It made me more willing to see the world as it is, rather than how I think it ought to be."

The Impact of Your Donations

Last year, donor support helped the Play Around the World program expand into Northern Canada. A team of two students went to Fort Providence, Northwest Territories.

The new partnership with the Dene community was a success, and your support will help it to continue and grow.

12 other University of Alberta students went to Chaing Mai, Rayong/Pattaya and Phom Penh. Each volunteer spends approximately 35 hours per week for 12 weeks in their placement, where they gain valuable life skills.

How to Help

Your support enables these University of Alberta students to learn through play.

They learn about themselves, the culture and language of their placement, and the community organizations who partner with Play Around the World.

They develop play leadership skills and practice how to deliver programs. Your support enables them to apply this knowledge to real-life situations.

They travel, exploring new places and a different culture. Your support helps them see the world.

They bring joy to those with whom they work. Your support lets them laugh while they learn.