“Oware is reputed to be the oldest game on earth dating back at least 15,000 years. Its origins can be traced back to the Sumerians of ancient Africa.”
OWARE GHANAIAN BOARD GAME
DEVELOPING STRATEGY AND REVEALING HISTORY
Oware is the national game of Ghana. It was originally devised as an accounting system and later used as a tool to develop numeracy skills. The game travelled outside of the African continent due to the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade and can be found in India, the Middle East, the Far East and the Caribbean under a different name such as Dakon in the Philippines.
Oware was selected for the Ghana programme for many reasons. Firstly, it has a rich cultural and social history and secondly, it is a game that can be used to develop a range of skills in young people. To play Oware a great deal of concentration is required along with the ability to calculate quickly and strategise to outwit your opponent.
The game is ideal for developing kinaesthetic learners and collaborative skills.
Yvonne Osafa delivered our Oware workshops.