The new adventure playground at the Mbigili children’s village
Finally, it’s here: the new adventure playground at the Mbigili Children’s Village, made possible through the generous donations of recent years. What has been created is far more than just a beautiful play space. It is a safe environment where children can build inner strength through movement, imagination and shared play.
The journey to get there was as participatory as it was inspiring. In early April, Tom, a specialist in play-space construction traveled to Mbigili. After initial planning in Germany, he worked together with the children and staff to develop a guiding theme and build a model so that everyone could instantly see and feel what the playground would ultimately become. In his luggage: lots of miniature materials, from which a tiny world slowly emerged and with it, rising excitement.
The final choice fell on the “Big Five” as the central theme. Around the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo, a vibrant landscape was created, one that tells stories and invites curious exploration.
Today, the playground brings together the children’s most important needs in a playful way: closeness, safety, self-expression and movement. Between the climbing elephant and a drinking giraffe runs a soft circular path leading to balancing routes, Mikado-style climbing elements and the nest swing. The treehouse was expanded with the “Duka,” a small shop beneath it, as well as a chill net for breaks. There is also a sand play area, a rope bridge, and a gathering point called the “Dalla Standi,” our little bus stop. Existing elements such as the treehouse, chair carousel and slide were purposefully integrated — and thoughtfully expanded where fitting, resulting in a space that feels cohesive and complete.
Why “therapeutic”? Many of the children in Mbigili carry experiences that require time, protection and stable relationships to heal. The playground translates these needs into play: it creates favorite spots where children can decide for themselves where and how they want to play. In the Duka and at the Dalla Standi, role play emerges naturally — without pressure, but with initiative and humor. The world of animals inspires storytelling. At the same time, rhythmic and repetitive movements like swinging, balancing and climbing help regulate tension, strengthen body awareness and build small but meaningful moments of success. Different levels of challenge ensure that toddlers can explore safely while older children up to age 14 can courageously take on new elements. And all of this happens within the heart of the community: you meet at the bus stop, negotiate rules, wait, help and learn to trust one another.
The children are absolutely thrilled, and you can hear their laughter from afar. This is exactly how a therapeutic adventure playground should feel: like a piece of carefree childhood that, at the same time, nurtures strength, confidence and imagination.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to all donors, partners and supporters. Thanks to your generosity, a wonderful place has come to life, one that not only brings joy, but also gives children a sense of grounding and security!
Thomas & Cookie
