New Covid-19 board game to teach children prevention protocols

• The Cape Winelands District Municipality has launched a Covid-19 board game for children.
• The game is based on the familiar Snakes and Ladders concept.
• It teaches children safety measures needed to fight the virus that causes Covid-19.

The Cape Winelands District Municipality has launched a Covid-19 board game, based on the game Snakes and Ladders, to teach children the safety measures needed to fight the virus that causes the disease.

As part of the game, children are offered the opportunity to advance three spaces if "you are wearing your mask correctly". Of course, there are penalties such as: "Oops, you shared your cooldrink bottle – skip a turn."

Cape Winelands District Municipality Mayor Elna von Schlicht said that through the board game, even some of the youngest residents were learning about their role in preventing the spread of Covid-19. 

"Through this board game, we aim to ensure that children keep both their teachers and parents safe from infection so that schools can remain open and that those who care for children stay healthy and keep on working.  In essence, we are ensuring their future," Von Schlicht added.

Edgar Johannes, curriculum advisor for Western Cape Education Department in the Cape Winelands said they were excited about the initiative.

"Not only will it help protect our teachers and learners, but there are also other benefits. The game encourages literacy, counting and team playing and promotes a wholesome household activity, as learners may take their sets home so that their siblings, parents and friends can play too."

All the actions are well within the child's sphere of control, thus making the behaviour goals achievable for all.

The main board game is in English, but the package contains a printed copy of the game and the rules in Afrikaans and isiXhosa.

Distribution will commence at the most vulnerable rural schools in the Cape Winelands district.  

The vaccination drive in the Cape Winelands District is ongoing, with 133 646 citizens either fully or partially vaccinated by last week Monday.

"It is important to note that until population immunity has been reached, each person is required to practise the basics of prevention – even if fully vaccinated," said Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Agriculture MEC.

Applauding the Cape Winelands team for the innovative initiative, Meyer said it showed their commitment to the well-being of residents.

"This project ticks so many of the right boxes as it supports economic growth through a healthy community and promotes dignity through equity."