<
https://www.peacecorps.gov/connect/blog/a-guyanese-conservation-board-game-goes-digital/>
"With each roll of the dice, one of four competing players must follow the
instructions on the board or pick a card to face a new obstacle, such as
harmful chemicals or a polluted river. The first player to safely return to
their habitat wins. No, this isn’t Jumanji. This is Policy Forum Guyana (PFG)’s
freshwater conservation board game, and thanks to support from the Peace Corps,
a digital version will soon deliver the game’s educational content to new
audiences.
Created in 2019, the environmental game is imbued with facts on the important
role of Guyana’s freshwater. The aquatic ecosystem serves as a haven for
endemic species like the black caiman, giant river otters, stork-like jabirus,
and torpedo-shaped arapaima. Players are introduced to these animals via
two-inch, wooden game pieces.
PFG’s communications officer, Britney Semple, explained how the game promotes
both a deeper understanding of environmental challenges and an overall interest
in conservation: “Some educational content was integrated [as] ‘positive and
negative action cards’ that bring awareness [on] how human activity can
negatively influence the environment. The positive action cards explain how
good actions can protect the environment [and] assist in keeping these animals
alive.”
After a successful pilot in select primary schools, the National Centre for
Educational Resource Development began mass producing the board game to enhance
environmental education among the country’s youth. PFG sells the game to the
public with proceeds benefiting the organization’s other environmental
initiatives.
The idea to create a digital version of the game was inspired by PFG's desire
to extend the reach of the River Guardian Board Game. The digital game enables
children across Guyana and around the world to play for free, learn about local
animals, and understand how their actions impact the environment. PFG wanted
additional support in the digital game’s development and decided to participate
in Peace Corps’ Virtual Service Pilot (VSPP)
“The virtual format perfectly suits Policy Forum Guyana’s project to digitize
the game. Through [online] meetings, [we] were able to discuss improvements
effectively,” said Semple. Collaborating with the VSPP has improved our ability
to communicate effectively across different cultures and time zones, fostering
better teamwork and collaboration. This experience has broadened our
perspectives and enhanced our adaptability, which will undoubtedly benefit
future projects at Policy Forum Guyana.”"
Via Esther Schindler.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
