Objectives

  • To create a digital archive of indigenous games as a documentation of knowledge at risk of extinction. 
  • To foster an inter-cultural appreciation of African indigenous games. 
  • To use indigenous games to decolonise the curriculum.
  • To relate learning to everyday games whereby fostering meaningful learning.
  • To create fun learning environments that teaches critical thinking, creativity, collaborative and communication skills.
  • To use indigenous games to connect children to their cultures, heritage, values and beliefs.
  • To empower both teachers and learners to design digital indigenous games and inspire a generation of citizen developers in the fourth industrial revolution.


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Nhodo

In Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe we used to play an indigenous game called Nhodo. I did not realise this was teaching us counting and mathematical literacy. So, in a group we could play e.g., 5 players. The game involves each player choosing 5 small round stones to contribute. All the stones are put in a circle. The first player will use a lead stone to throw in the air while taking out all the stones from the circle. The player will then throw the lead stone into the air and take one stone from the stones and push all the stones into the circle. If some stones remain outside that is an infringement and the next player takes over…. Taurai Mutanda
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The Sansa Kroma Game

The Sansa Kroma game is/was commonly played in Ghana. Sansa Kroma means 'hawk' in Fante or Twi. Hawk is a bird.  Rules  The game is played with the Sansa Kroma song and stones. Every participant has a stone in front of him or her. As all participants sing the song, every one moves the stone in front of them in the songs rhythmic pace to the next participant to their right side. The song increases in pace after every round of stones.  The stones must be moved in such a way that you always have only one stone to move at a time as the pace of the song increases. If a participant is not able to keep the pace of both the song and the movement of the stone, and thereby having two stones in front of him s/he is kicked out. The game continues until only one person emerges as a winner. The author is grateful to Ralitsa from Ghana who provided the explanation of this game.
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Diketo

Diketo is an indigenous game that can be played by one to 10 or more players. Players can be in teams or individuals. The games require a small hole dug on the ground or a circle or square shape drawn on a flat surface, pebbles or marbles (diketo). The number of pebbles may be decided by the players, however 10-20 pebbles each can be enough for a fun game. Additionally, each player requires one pebble/marble called Mokinto , which is usually slightly bigger than the other pebbles ( diketo ). Rules of the game Player who picks to be first will play first, those that picked 2nd will play second and so forth (picking who goes first is entirely up to the players, it is a first come first serve kind of thing. Players agree on the number of diketo each must have (all players should have the same amount of pebbles e.g 10 each) Players then agree which level (the level is called madis 1, madis 2 and so on) they want to have as the final stage to call it a game. It can be level 1-10 depending o...
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