Power of Play- first days!

Our first two days of Power of Play have been full of energy, curiosity, and- of course- lots of play!

To kick things off, we focused on team building and introductory activities that helped participants connect, collaborate, and step into a playful learning mindset.

Through creative name games and dynamic group challenges, our international team started forming the trust and openness needed for meaningful learning throughout the week.

Why Games? Why Gamification?

We explored why games are such powerful tools in education—how they spark motivation, create memorable learning experiences, and encourage inclusion and active participation. Together, we reflected on how gamification can bring structure, purpose, and fun into youth work and non-formal education.

Hands-On Game Experiences: Participants tried out a variety of educational games, not just playing them but also deconstructing them into their core elements:

-Game dynamics – the emotions and behaviors games evoke

-Mechanics – the rules and actions that shape the experience

-Components – the tools and materials that bring a game to life

Through this process, we began identifying the “magic elements” that make educational games effective, engaging, and transformative for diverse groups of young people.

The foundation is set, the group is connected, and the creative energy is flowing.

Onward to the next levels of game design and playful learning!

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