We see organized school programs as the most powerful way to grow and expand the Sports Servants’ movement. Schools are seen as the life of a village. In addition to being home for children during the day, schools provide a structure that is already in place and a group of mentors-their teachers-who are most invested in helping children. Instead of creating something new in a developing world, we find it better to go with what already exists, especially when principals and teachers are crying out for a program like ours. They agree that soccer is the best medium to reach the children. With strategic relationships built throughout the school system, the school environment is the perfect place for Sports Servants to focus our efforts for empowering lives and transforming communities.
We have heard from the Belizeans themselves that our school program initiative will have a long-term and permanent impact on their communities. The good news is that we have really covered so much ground. The difficult part seems to be behind us–from navigating a different culture, building relationships to spark the first programs, and convincing leaders that our programs can indeed change children’s lives. The experience has come through hard work and sweat equity in Belize. But now, we see the way we can expand and we know it will be fruitful.
How does it work?
- We work with superintendents and principals who nominate teachers to attend our training
- Teachers are trained and become school program representatives in order to train the staff at their school
- A local school program coordinator visits participating schools to provide further training along with accountability and support
- The coordinator works with the representatives to group the schools into zones in order to build community and provide further support
- An intramural program runs during the school year and a Sports Servants Cup is held to bring together all schools in a zone
- Schools take the initiative of planning summer camps for the children and request US assistance if necessary
How we continue
- Each school sets up a list of long-term goals that are both unique to the school and consistent with the core values of Sports Servants
- Coaching resources and equipment are leveraged for each school to achieve their goals and meet expectations for the programs
- Surrounding communities and schools express interest in starting their own program, thus continuing the movement
- Parent and youth volunteers lend support to the school to build further community involvement
- Our goal is to offer our program to every school and community in Belize. We need your help to do so
Our goal is to offer our program to every school and community in Belize.
We need your help to do so.