Time Rush! In the midst of a humanitarian crisis, it’s all about teamwork.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) offers Time Rush! a cooperative board game that allows participants to learn about the realities of humanitarian missions while fostering teamwork and cooperation.

Designed for kids ages 11 and up, this game offers a a fun and immersive experience in which participants take on the roles of MSF members who must make strategic decisions in an emergency situation. In about 1 hour and 15 minutes, players experience the logistical and human challenges faced by teams in the field, while exploring the spirit of solidarity inherent in humanitarian work. Number of players : from 5 to 25.

This collaborative game puts participants in the shoes of MSF teams tasked with organizing humanitarian missions.
Working in groups, they must:

• Plan and coordinate the procurement of resources (medicines, medical supplies, logistics, therapeutic food, human resources); ;
• Collaborating Across Teams from headquarters and in the field to carry out projects; ;
• Dealing with the Unexpected : delays, inclement weather, hacking, local issues; ;
• Taking Advantage of Support : positive reception, donations, partnerships; ;
• Optimize their decisions to provide assistance to the affected populations as quickly as possible.

The game promotes communication, cooperation and the collective decision-making, while illustrating the complexity of a real-life humanitarian operation.

The workshop aims to raise participants’ awareness of humanitarian issues while helping them develop social and cognitive skills.

Social and Collaborative Skills

• Follow the rules of the game and be respectful of other players; ;
• Listen, discuss, debate, and make decisions collectively; ;
• Work as a team, show solidarity and fair play.

Cognitive and Cross-Curricular Skills

• Draw on knowledge in geography, geopolitics, and public health; ;
• Understanding the links between the environment, crises, and health; ;
• Identify the resources and actions needed for a humanitarian mission.

Understanding MSF's Challenges

• Provide a simple definition of humanitarian aid and the types of crises (epidemics, conflicts, natural disasters); ;
• Learn about MSF’s areas of operation (logistics, medical, and human resources); ;
• Understand the diversity and complexity of intervention situations; ;
• Understand MSF's values and its independent operations.

The game is intended for lower grades, upper grades, and Cycle 4. It is available in French. While the game can be loaned out for an activity organized independently by the teaching staff, it is also possible to ask the educational project coordinator to lead this workshop.