In a classroom at the heart of Machakos County, the quiet intensity of a chess match sits alongside the laughter of learners gathered around a game of Ludo. This is a strategy in motion. It is learning reimagined.

Lewis Amota and Sarah Misiani, two Cohort 4 fellows are reshaping what learning looks like by introducing intentional play into their daily routines. Amid the rigor of lesson plans, assessments, and their ongoing capstone projects, these two fellows have carved out moments in the school day where the mind is trained through play. Games like Snakes and Ladders, River-Bank-River, and even classic strategy games like chess have become tools for mental empowerment. The results are striking, including sharper concentration, improved problem-solving skills, stronger peer connections, and a noticeable spark of joy among learners.

Ignited by the reception the games received during a school fun day, what was introduced as part of the day’s activities turned into a life-changing experience for learners at Mumbuni Primary School. “This started as a simple idea, to give the kids something fun to break the monotony of class,” one fellow shares.  This gave rise to the idea of hosting these games on a regular basis. However, the impact was seen. The students began showing more discipline; they thought ahead more, and even the shy ones started opening up.

For these individuals, play is more than a pastime. It is a catalyst for change in motion. It is a moment of personal reflection and meaningful connections. Through games, teachers and learners meet beyond the formal structure of the classroom, creating spaces of trust, laughter, and mutual respect. These playful interactions have transformed the way learners relate to their teachers, building bonds that offer a sense of belonging and emotional safety, which in turn accelerate effective learning.

At Teach for Kenya, we believe authentic leadership in education isn’t just about curriculum delivery. It’s about recognizing the potential in every child and meeting them where they are. Creatively, compassionately, and consistently. Lewis Amota and Sarah Misiani embody that. Their initiative may not be part of their official capstone, but it reflects a deeper calling: to lead with heart, innovate with purpose, and transform learning in ways that last.

As they roll the dice, make their moves, and cheer on their learners, these individuals remind us that education is more than just about filling minds; it is also about harnessing the power they carry and igniting it.