Unlocking the Power of Sports for Peace and Development
February 29by Ruhamah Ifere
If you have ever been in doubt of the impact of sports, the recently concluded AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations) 2024 should be enough proof of its potency to unite people from diverse backgrounds as well as promote sustainable development.
In my role as the Project officer at Caring Community Creators, I have had the privilege of witnessing the potency of sports in promoting Gender Equality through Education.
Caring Community Creators is committed to promoting and undertaking community development projects relating to Education, Health and Empowerment.
In line with our vision, Caring Community Creators donated 10 pairs of football boots to female pupils of St Michael’s Primary School, Ota, Ogun state. The donation of football boots is an investment in their education and boosts their confidence as female players in a football club created by the ‘Brace Up The Young Foundation’.
For the girls of St Michael’s Primary, participating in football activities goes beyond exercising during break time; the young girls are coached by professionals on the rudiments of football and honing their personal skills.
Through football, these schoolgirls have honed important soft skills which include Communication, Leadership, Collaboration, Teamwork and Problem Solving that can be deployed during their studies and in their personal lives. It also promotes their mental health agility and creates a safe space for learning.
Governments
By creating policies that include sports in schools’ curricula and also facilitate a synergy between ministries of youth & development and ministries of education, access of out of school children to quality and affordable education can be catalysed.
Private Sector and Civil Society Groups
Private sector and civil society groups can leverage partnerships with sports organisations to fundraise for education of the girl child with a focus on the vulnerable, such as refugees and displaced migrants.
Youth Involvement
Through volunteerism, young people can contribute to the education of the girl child by volunteering their time and skills as sports facilitators, skills educators, life coaches and sports promoters.
Conclusion
By enrolling these girls in schools and promoting their inclusive participation in sports, we are investing in a brighter future for them. Stakeholders are urged to support and contribute to sports as an innovative and participatory approach to promoting the education of and peace for the girl child.
