Tag! You’re it!
Kudzi Marufu believes playtime is where it’s at for kids and grownups
When her four-year-old son, Shnei, grew bored of their local playground, Nova Scotia’s Kudzi Marufu decided she would teach him some of her favourite childhood games from her home country of Zimbabwe. Once others saw what Kudzi was doing, interest grew. Soon, friends, classmates and other kids at the playground were joining in, too.
In 2019, the mother and son bonding time inspired her to start a play-based business, the Multicultural Playtime Society. Kudzi’s volunteer members share games, stories and crafts from around the world. They represent various cultural communities in Nova Scotia and teach adults and children about the joy and importance of movement through intercultural play.
Honouring her heritage
Shnei, now nine years old, knows he planted the idea for the Multicultural Playtime Society. “He’s proud. Shnei tells everyone, ‘I inspired my mother to do this,’” said Kudzi, who emigrated to Canada when she was 19. “This work comes from the heart.”
Kudzi combines her public relations background with a passion for helping the young and young-at-heart discover the power of playtime and the outdoors, while shining a light on her African roots. “Nova Scotia has become my home. Now, I am comfortable to pass on what I grew up doing and that part of who I am. I proudly showcase my culture. People are receiving it very well,” said Kudzi.
Play at home and work
That sense of pride blossomed when Kudzi introduced fun pop-ups at playgrounds around Halifax and Bedford. She started by featuring her favourite African games. Kids and their caregivers loved it. Word spread. Demand grew.
Through her business, Kudzi offers “intentional and organized” playtime sessions to children and their loved ones at day cares, after-school programs, community groups and non-profits. She creates a sense of community through the activities she leads. Kudzi wants to expand and deliver game-based programming to more adults.
“I want to go into workplaces to help grow the connection between happiness, movement and work,” said Kudzi. “Lunch time doesn’t have to be for sitting at a desk. Age does not matter when it comes to play. With play, you find joy and explore without limitations. That’s what I see in people and in myself, too.”
Staying active in and out of the workplace helps people to destress, refocus priorities and fosters creativity, among other benefits.
Play inspires connection
“For children, these games are a learning process. For adults, they are nostalgic. Adults light up! The stories of childhood come flooding back,” Kudzi said. “As Africans, we pass culture through storytelling. We sit by the fire and tell folk tales; these games also come with stories.”
Telling stories and learning lessons through play is key for the Multicultural Playtime Society. Playtime with Kudzi also promotes acceptance and multiculturalism.
“I am looking for volunteers from different communities to go into schools and workplaces and play games from India, China, Sierra Leone and so on. These activities come with stories that I wouldn’t have,” Kudzi said. “We get to really ‘see’ each other when we are playing. Play is just as important of a community connector as food or dance.”
Play improves mental wellness
Kudzi believes the freedom that comes with laughter and playfulness is key at every age.
“Outside is where it’s at! It’s important for your mental health. You release yourself in the outdoors. There’s something special that happens when you’re moving and spending time in the fresh air.”
Keep play simple
Outdoor playtime doesn’t need to be structured to be worthwhile. Kick a soccer ball around with the kids in your life. Play catch, cornhole, washer toss, tag or a game of hide and seek. Playing helps us build bonds.
So whether you try a new game or go back to basics, you’re likely to discover that Kudzi is right: adding playtime into your life is a great way to make your move, connect with friends new and old, build a sense of community and rediscover the joy of letting loose!