Children playing a board game as part of a Playbus activity in Tbilisi, Georgia.…

Children playing a board game as part of a Playbus activity in Tbilisi, Georgia.

The SOS Playbus is a mobile play centre which is open to children and young adults in the community. A team of four teachers travel in the minibus, full of games and art materials, to places where children and young people spend their free time.

After two years on the road, the four-member Georgian SOS Playbus team have had many times where they are reassured not only in the importance of their job, but also of several positive "side-effects" of their work.

As well as learning through playing, the SOS Playbus teachers are looked up to as role models and advice givers; and are even the moving force of the community. Here is a story from one Playbus teacher:

"We were doing our activities as usual in one of the suburbs. Near the end, one parent approached us and expressed her thanks. She explained how she moved in that district recently and didn't know anyone. The SOS Playbus activities gave her a chance to meet neighbours and make friends."

The SOS Playbus has proved to be success with children, parents and teachers alike. It has shown the importance of using games and making learning fun when bringing up children.