One thing that is so great about kids, no matter what continent they live on, is that they are masters of imagination and creativity. They aren’t held hostage by the intended use of something. Instead, the world is their playground, and they are brilliant at finding the joy in the simplest of things.
When my son was a baby, he would forego his basket of toys if there was a plastic water bottle around. I don’t know what was going through his brain or why water bottles were so fascinating, but he loved them.
As I’ve observed kids all over the world, I’ve found the same holds true everywhere. Kids seem to make the most amazing things out of what many would deem trash. In Africa, my favorite inventions are those that involve wire and bottle caps. Kids will turn these into toy cars, and they are the coolest things ever.
If you’re looking for ways to keep your kids entertained, give them a pile of “trash” and see what they can create. If you’re brave enough to attempt a wire car, then check out this video of Solomon in Uganda. He can help you out.
And let’s not forget to let our imaginations run wild every once in a while. You never know what kind of creativity may erupt from it.