Bindlestick Learning

for Beyond The Classroom

The Beyond the Classroom learning space will be critical in the activities planned throughoutthe Bindlestick Learning program at the Muna Camp, as the traditional four walled classroom simply does not exist. Indeed in some children’s lives this traditional classroom has never existed. In its place is a dry arid landscape, with makeshift shelters and thousands of people crammed into the informal camp. In times of heat there is no shelter, and the rains turn the camp into a muddy cholera infested field.  

The area for education in the camp will need to be taken into great consideration. It may have to be outside or by creating makeshift spaces. Learning can occur in a clean area on the ground, by the road or in a designated safe area. These spaces may be used in conjunction with Child Friendly Spaces that may, or may not, be set up in the refugee camps. It is in these informal spaces that we can teach children relevant contextual skills, how to express their feelings and have fun. They also get a chance to play and learn in an environment that they feel safe in, and be taught by people they feel safe with.

Resources used will be found in the immediate environment, as interruptions in supply of “western“ learning aids may be restricted. Physical resources in this space can include items found around camp such as stones, sticks, string,fabric,mud, leaves water containers and even some clean recyclable rubbish. Community resources such as parents, leaders and aid workers, will also be called on to contribute where possible.

Learners needs and interests can be manipulated according to how they are utilising the camp space currently and must presented in an authentic setting for learning to occur. (Lave 2007)