SC-S29/W1- Nostalgia Of The Liitle Me : Games we used to play(Rope, Dodging and Ntabalah)

Hi guys, accept compliments of the season from the motherland, Cameroon and welcome to my blog where I’m gonna share my thoughts about the topic “Nostalgia Of The Little Me: Games we used to play”. Before I go into the topic proper permit me invite @crisvera, @suboohi and @lirvic to participate in the challenge.

In the North West Region of Cameroon (Grassfields area) where I come from, childhood games traditionally varied by village. However, many games are widely shared across communities. Common examples include but are not limited to rope game, dodging game and ntabalah.

Name of the childhood game(s)

In Santa, North West Region of Cameroon, the rope game is a popular childhood activity, especially among girls. We use a rope, vine, or elastic band, with two players turning it while one or more jump in the middle. The game is often accompanied by rhythmic songs in the local language, helping children develop coordination, balance, and a sense of rhythm. It is commonly played in the evenings or after school and also serves as a social activity where children bond, sing, and laugh together.

^{Image Source}

The dodging game is a fast-paced outdoor game that tests alertness and agility. One child throws or rolls an object (such as a ball), while others must dodge to avoid being hit. Players who fail to dodge may be eliminated or exchange roles with the thrower. In Santa communities, this game helps us build speed, sharp reflexes, and strategic thinking, while also teaching fairness and endurance. It was usually played in open spaces like school fields or village squares.

^{Image Source}

Ntabalah is also a well-known traditional childhood game in Santa that involves teamwork, running, and strategy. Children are divided into groups, with one team defending a space or object while the other attempts to outsmart them through quick movements and coordinated attacks. The game encourages cooperation, leadership, and discipline among players. Beyond entertainment, Ntabalah plays an important role in transmitting cultural values, strengthening friendships, and preparing children for communal life in Santa.

Where and with whom you used to play

I used to play mainly in the open spaces around our compound, along village paths, and on the school field in the Santa area of the North West Region of Cameroon. Most games were played in the evenings after school or farm work, especially during moonlight, when the weather was cool and parents allowed children to stay outside longer. Sometimes we also played near the marketplace or in quiet corners of the neighbourhood where there was enough space to run freely and safely.

I usually played with my friends from the neighbourhood, schoolmates, and sometimes cousins who lived nearby. Older children often led the games and taught the younger ones the rules, while everyone took turns and played together regardless of age. These moments of play helped us build strong friendships, learn cooperation, and feel a sense of belonging within the community.

Why this game was special to you

This game was special to me because it brought joy and excitement after a long day of school or farm work. Playing it allowed me to forget my worries and feel free as I laughed, ran, and shared happy moments with my friends. The songs, movements, and teamwork involved made every playtime memorable and gave me a strong sense of happiness and belonging.

Through the games, I learned important values such as cooperation, patience, respect for others, and self-confidence. It strengthened my friendships and connected me to my culture and community, reminding me of my childhood and the simple but meaningful moments we shared together.

Any funny, emotional, or memorable incident related to the game

One very memorable incident happened during one of our evening games when I confidently joined in the rope and dodging games, thinking I had mastered all the moves. In the middle of the game, I missed a step and fell, causing everyone to burst into laughter, including me. Although I felt a little embarrassed at first, the way my friends rushed to help me up and turned the moment into jokes made it unforgettable and taught me not to be afraid of making mistakes.

Another emotional moment was when one of our friends was about to move away from the village. On her last day, we played the rope game together until late in the evening under the moonlight. We laughed, teased one another, and tried to make the game last as long as possible. That day, the game became more than just play, it was a way of saying goodbye and celebrating the friendship we had built through those shared childhood moments.

Life lessons or values learned from playing those games.

Playing those games taught me many important life lessons that have stayed with me into adulthood. Through teamwork, I learned the value of cooperation, patience, and respect for others. Winning was enjoyable, but losing taught me humility and self-control, helping me understand that effort and fair play matter more than always being first.

The games also helped me develop confidence, resilience, and discipline. Falling, missing a move, or being caught meant learning to stand up again and try harder next time. Playing with children of different ages taught me leadership, responsibility, and how to live peacefully with others in a community. Above all, these games showed me the importance of friendship, unity, and cultural identity, lessons that continue to guide me in everyday life.