Celebrating International Day of Sport for Development and Peace

In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 6 April as the International Day of Sports and Physical Activity, to celebrate the contribution of sports and physical activity to education, human development, healthy lifestyles and a peaceful world.

2014 will see the first annual celebration of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace take place around the world, to celebrate, International Inspiration will be publishing short case studies and pictures to highlight the unique and inspirational power of sport active in its programmes around the world today.

We look first to Zambia...

Go Sisters

The Go Sisters programme in Zambia focuses on empowering girls (aged 12-25) to take the lead in their communities, with peer leaders creating self-managed organising committees to plan and lead educational and sports programmes. Zambia ranks 124 out of 137 countries in the Gender Inequality Index, with girls and young women being amongst the most vulnerable and marginalised members of Zambian society. They face numerous challenges – lower life expectancy, higher rates of HIV/AIDS infection and fewer opportunities to complete secondary education and gain skilled employment.

This all leads to less economic security for them and their families. Through participation in these programmes, girls nad young women are with leadership skills, public health knowledge, sexual, reproductive and women’s rights, inclusive practice, school sponsorship and entrepreneurship. By addressing issues that affect young girls in the community the Go Sisters programme allows them to become equal and productive members of society.

          Case Study - Mellen Mubanga

“I joined EduSport in 2008 by then i was not doing anything. I thank EduSport for bringing the Go Sister programme because it has really helped me in so many ways including: organising Sports activities in my community, and leading others. Apart from this, it has also improved my self-esteem and confidence I’m now able to speak in front of many people. I also want to thank EduSport for Sponsoring me because I had been out of school for more than 2 years but with the help you offered am now in school, thank you for allowing me to join the Organisation because without participating in these activities my self-esteem, my coaching and facilitating skills, was not going to be developed I would have been maybe a thief, prostitute or would have ended up pregnant.

Because what I have realised is that most of my fellow girls who are just idle in the community are involved in alcohol abuse and prostitution which might lead into contracting HIV/AIDS.  Thank you to EduSport and the Go Sisters programme!"