In celebration of Youth Month, we spotlight the transformative work of Dr. Hannah Barnes, a dedicated social impact entrepreneur and member of the FURTHER community. Through her venture, Young Game Changers, Dr. Barnes is using her 30 years of experience in education to create lasting change by providing children with the tools to foster creativity, problem-solving, and independent learning.
From Concept to Community Impact: A Milestone Achievement
One of Dr. Barnes' latest projects is the successful supply and implementation of resources for a newly built Early Childhood Education (ECD) centre in Mpumalanga. The school previously had 120 Grade R learners in two old classrooms, with the Sepedi classroom having more than 90 learners crammed in, while the Tsonga class accommodated the other 30 learners. A local NGO facilitated the building of the three new classrooms, backed by two main funders. This made provision for two Sepedi classes and one Tsonga class. Dr. Barnes not only supplied the resources but is also providing training to teachers on how to effectively use these materials to engage children in learning.
The resource system introduced at the ECD centre involves a rotation system where children actively participate in fetching, playing, packing, and returning learning resources. This empowers them to become responsible for their own learning. This ‘learner-led’ system not only maximises the use of resources within a set budget but also encourages autonomy and fine and gross motor skill development. With visual guides to help children navigate the activities, this hands-on approach is a stark departure from traditional, teacher-led methods.
Community Empowerment at Its Core
What sets this project apart is the strong emphasis on community involvement. The shelves, teacher desks, and many of the learning resources were manufactured locally, ensuring that the project truly benefits the community. One of Dr. Barnes' first employees, a local welder, helped bring the vision to life, creating the sturdy furniture and even contributing to the development of the resources themselves, initially prototypes made from repurposed materials.
As a result, the children now have access to affordable, locally made resources that not only support their cognitive and social-emotional development but also teach them valuable life skills. The project embodies Dr. Barnes' dream of providing for the community from within the community, creating a sustainable impact that resonates for years to come.
A Moment of Magic: Learning Through Play
One of the most heartwarming moments for Dr. Barnes occurred when she observed the children during a free play session. After handing out some of the new resources like blocks and dice, the children were left to explore without instruction. One young boy took the initiative to match the quantities on the dice to the corresponding cards - a beautiful display of independent problem-solving and critical thinking. This is the kind of learning Dr. Barnes had hoped for: children engaging with materials at their own pace, driven by curiosity rather than rote repetition.
This moment was a reflection of the real change that Dr. Barnes and her team are working to create, where children can play, learn, and grow with freedom and excitement, while still building essential foundations for future academic success.
Looking Ahead
As Dr. Barnes continues to expand Young Game Changers, her mission remains clear: to provide children with the tools they need to become lifelong learners and critical thinkers. This is not just about teaching children to read or write, but about igniting their passion for learning and nurturing their ability to problem-solve, think critically, and innovate.
Dr. Barnes' journey is a testament to the power of community-driven change and the far-reaching impact of early childhood education. Through Young Game Changers, she's not only shaping the future of education in South Africa, but also setting a global example of how play-based learning can unlock a child’s potential.
To learn more about Dr. Barnes and her work, visit Young Game Changers.
