Nuestro Barrio

Introducing "Nuestro Barrio": A Revolutionary Educational Game

In Uruguay, Nuestro Barrio stands out as the first video game designed specifically for early childhood education, aligning academic curricula with technological innovation. Developed collaboratively by DESEM Jóvenes Emprendedores, Estudio Egg, and the teaching staff of Jardín n° 222 in Pando (Canelones), this project was made possible through the support and funding provided by IBM Uruguay. The primary objective of Nuestro Barrio is to foster both learning and an entrepreneurial spirit among children aged three to five who are part of the formal educational system. By integrating digital skills with traditional academic content, the game offers a creative and engaging way for young learners to explore essential life skills.

At its core, Nuestro Barrio is more than just a game; it is a tool that balances digital literacy with the critical components of early childhood education. The game emphasizes values, decision-making, and self-responsibility, all while providing a fun and interactive environment. Each element of the game—whether it involves mathematical problem-solving or artistic exploration—is carefully crafted to ensure alignment with the curriculum areas of mathematics, language, arts, social studies, and physical-motor development. These elements collectively contribute to holistic learning, preparing young minds for future challenges.

The gameplay begins when players choose one of six characters to guide through the neighborhood. The central character, Piquito, serves as the guide and provides instructions throughout the journey. As players navigate the virtual world, they encounter four distinct zones: the Circus, the Museum, the Maze, and the Neighborhood Garden. Each zone presents unique challenges and learning opportunities tailored to specific developmental needs. For instance, in the Circus, players practice basic math skills like counting, addition, and subtraction while organizing animals. At the Museum, they explore color theory and landscapes, which helps them recognize patterns and develop creativity. Meanwhile, the Maze encourages strategic thinking and resource management as players collect items and navigate obstacles. Finally, the Neighborhood Garden focuses on understanding the origins of food, promoting awareness of environmental sustainability.

As players progress through these zones, they also encounter various distractions in the form of neighbors seeking help. Deciding whether or not to assist these characters teaches valuable lessons about empathy, responsibility, and community involvement. Successfully completing tasks within these distractions earns players points toward their overall goal of collecting figures for an album, which serves as a visual record of their achievements and learning journey.

One of the most innovative aspects of Nuestro Barrio is its reward system, which encourages continuous improvement. After finishing a zone, players receive an Entrepreneur Medal based on their performance. Medals come in bronze, silver, and gold levels, reflecting the player’s mastery of the material. Players can revisit zones to improve their scores and upgrade their medals, reinforcing the idea that growth and development are ongoing processes. This approach mirrors real-world entrepreneurship, where persistence and adaptability lead to greater success over time.

Ultimately, Nuestro Barrio aims to empower young learners by fostering curiosity, creativity, and confidence. By the end of the game, players not only gain knowledge but also develop key life skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership. The culmination of this experience is marked by a final medal and a fully completed album, symbolizing the child’s achievement and growth throughout the game. Through Nuestro Barrio, children embark on an exciting adventure that combines play with purpose, setting the stage for lifelong learning and entrepreneurial potential.