Global Partnership Boosts Play-Based Learning for 400,000 Children in Crisis
More than 473 million children worldwide endure conflict and humanitarian crises, with over 52 million currently out of school. A new five-year initiative, Sustaining Play, Learning and Skills in Humanitarian Contexts (SPLASH), aims to transform this reality by bringing vital education to 400,000 vulnerable children and young people in Bangladesh and Uganda.
This ambitious program is backed by a USD 50 million partnership between BRAC, a leading development organization, and The LEGO Foundation. Focusing on play-based learning, it supports children’s development from birth to 18 years, helping them learn and thrive amidst displacement and difficult circumstances.
The SPLASH initiative officially launched in Dhaka on Monday, July 13, 2026. High-level officials attended, including Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, and Bobby Hajjaj, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education, both serving as chief guests.
The program provides age-appropriate support from early learning to vocational training. It also strengthens the capacities of parents and teachers, helping create nurturing environments for children’s overall growth and well-being. This comprehensive approach includes responsive caregiving, life skills development, and pathways for future livelihoods.
Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain highlighted nurturing young people as a nation’s greatest asset, stressing the shared responsibility to engage positively. State Minister Bobby Hajjaj noted how play-based learning inspires interest in STEM subjects, contributing to national development.
Asif Saleh, BRAC’s Executive Director, emphasized that development must be locally driven with a long-term vision, using scalable, low-cost models. Tarek Alami from The LEGO Foundation affirmed their commitment to locally led, evidence-based approaches, involving governments and communities for lasting change.
Speakers also recognized SPLASH’s critical role in challenging environments, such as the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar. Mohammed Jakaria and Mohammed Mizanur Rahman highlighted how such initiatives improve children’s well-being and offer valuable lessons for broader application across Bangladesh.
The initial phase of SPLASH will run from June 2026 to December 2028 in Bangladesh. It promises comprehensive support, ensuring children, even in the toughest situations, have the chance to learn, grow, and fulfill their potential.
