📍 Location: Fondation Clos Brochet, Avenue Clos-Brochet 48, 2000 Neuchâtel
🕑 Time: Every Saturday, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
📅 Period: September – November 2025
👥 Group size: About 10 children per session
📘 Requirement: Children must already know how to count
🎯 What Your Child Will Do
• Learn the rules of the traditional African game Awalé
• Build counting, logic, patience, and strategy skills
• Play in a fun, guided setting with one experienced facilitator (supported by a volunteer if needed)
• Enjoy a healthy snack and social time
• Listen to short African stories to enrich the cultural experience
🕑 Sample Session Schedule
• 2:00 – 2:15 PM: Introduction & rules
• 2:15 – 2:45 PM: Facilitator demonstration
• 2:45 – 3:00 PM: Short break
• 3:00 – 4:00 PM: Children play in pairs, guided by the facilitator
• 4:00 – 4:30 PM: Snack break
• 4:30 – 5:00 PM: African storytelling & closure
💰 Fees & Why They Matter
• 60 CHF / child – full cost coverage (hall rental, facilitator, materials, snacks, admin)
• 40 CHF / child – solidarity rate for families needing financial support
• 100 CHF / 2 siblings
Offering two rates ensures no child is excluded while keeping the workshop sustainable and high-quality.
🌍 Inclusion Program – Autumn 2025
During the autumn school holidays (two breaks), we will run a free Awalé program for children from low-income families, migrants, and asylum seekers. Thanks to government funding, all children can participate at no cost.
This year, we are organising a workshop with support from the Commune de Val-de-Ruz and Sports-Loisirs-Culture, Santé et Économie (Rue de l’Épervier 2, 2053 Cernier), which covers the venue rental fees.
📅 Date: 10.10.2025
🕜 Time: 13:30 – 16:30
📍 Location: Cernier – Centre scolaire La Fontanelle, Salle de conférence (Bâtiment F)
All children are welcome!
Future inclusion programs in spring and summer 2026 will be announced on our website. The program will take place in various locations across the canton, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to participate
❓ Parents’ FAQ
- Why Awalé?
It’s not just a game! Children strengthen math, logic, problem-solving, patience, and fair play—all while discovering African culture. - Does my child need prior experience?
No. Children just need to know how to count; we teach the rest. - What if my child is shy?
Small groups and supportive facilitation help every child feel confident. - Do children need to bring anything?
No—boards, materials, and snacks are provided. - Why two fees (60 and 40 CHF)?
The standard fee covers all real costs. The solidarity fee makes the workshop accessible for families in need. - Can siblings join?
Yes! Two children from the same family pay 100 CHF.
⚠️ Cancellation Policy
• Minimum participants: 4 children per session
• Exceptional circumstances: facilitator illness, venue closure, or unforeseen events
• Refund / Reschedule: Full refund or rescheduled session offered
📩 Registration (mandatory)
Contact: Irene Lema
📞 077 938 15 82
📧 irene@lemaplaninternational.org
👉 Note: Each participation in an Awalé workshop also carries a solidarity impact. Indeed, 10% of the funds collected are donated to our humanitarian projects in Africa, helping to support children and families in the countries where we operate. Thus, every registration is also a concrete act of solidarity.