Say and Play is an interactive tool designed to support orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) between 3-6 years. It adapts existing methodologies to provide psychosocial support for young children in their development, and family settings. Say and Play puts emphasis on improving communication naturally through games and stories. Communication by the child helps early childhood development (ECD) teachers to better identify those who are vulnerable and refer them to the appropriate services.
ECD teachers, home-based care teams and community actions groups were identified as appropriate facilitators of Say and Play, since they frequently interact with children. Pilot tests found that facilitators were able to better refer children to appropriate services, discuss observations with caregivers and stimulate community action groups to discuss strategies to support, protect and guide their children through challenges they face within the community.