In a true reflection of the interlocked rings young people, sports organisations and school practitioners from three continents met in the last week in two separate events, one in Recife, North Brazil and the other in Islay in Scotland. Both events were organised as part of the 'International Inspiration' programme, designed to inspire millions of children around the work to participate in sport, which will be part of the London 2012 International Education programme.
The first event involved teachers from 12 schools in Nottingham travelling to Recife Northern Brazil to meet and develop partnerships to support and develop their PE curriculum. Recife is the fourth largest city in Brazil with a high serious crime rate and agricultural economy but the community there have a real desire to make a difference to their lives through sport. The event was arranged and hosted by the British Council, who work with schools around the world to offer international expertise in the fields of sport, development and education for young people.
The UK and Brazilian representatives took part in a seminar entitled 'Inspiring education through PE and school sport', which was attended by senior officials from the Federal and Regional Governments. Seminar delegates, including representatives from the Youth Sport Trust and UK Sport, took part in a lively discussion on a range of issues, particularly the development of a shared vision of how PE and sport can be used to engage, enrich and empower young people's lives and raise whole school standards.
However, the highlight of the week was a sports festival for children organised by newly trained young leaders from Recife schools. You can see some of the talents of the young people:
It was evident from the young leaders' comments about the event that they could see the relevance of using what they had learnt and their role in their schools and communities:
'We learned to work in group without making differences. With the goal of diminishing violence in our community through sport (instead of being on the streets doing wrong things) we want to bring happiness to children through leisure.' Luciana da Silva
'It was very important for me to take part in this challenging experience. I learned a lot to work as a team. What was most important is that I got more mature and I intend to pass on this experience and what I learned to my community.' Jacqueline dos Santos Silva
With one of the participants:
The children and young people were thrilled to meet, Brazilian Olympic Volleyball star, Ana Moser, who won the hearts of Brazil in Atlanta when their volleyball team won silver medal with an exciting and brave performance.
The Nottinghamshire teachers also spent two days in Brazilian schools where they were enlightened with information about the different culture and the challenges for the schools.
'The two days spent in Brazilian school were excellent. The staff and students were very excited to develop an educational partnership. The opportunities for cultural and educational understanding between Dayncourt and Frei Caneca will have a very positive impact on the students and staff. I look forward to developing this friendship and linking students together through sport and the wider curriculum.'
Kevin Jackson, Director of Learning Sciences, Dayncourt School Specialist Sports College
They saw the partnership as a great opportunity for the schools and pupils to engage with a school from a different culture. They found the visit invaluable, which created huge momentum to set the project off as well as establishing the beginnings of some lasting friendships.
'I have found myself reflecting on the importance of positive relationships between teachers and students and hope to bring some of that experience back to help UK teachers cope better with some of our disaffected students.' Alison Williams, Assistant Head, Dayncourt School Specialist Sports College
Meanwhile, two students and two teachers from Palau – an island in Micronesia with a population of just under 21,000 - have this week visited Islay High School in Scotland, taking part in a cultural exchange that links two island communities from very different parts of the world. The party of four have engaged in PE classes, after-school sport activities and interacted with their Scottish hosts at a variety of local and cultural events.
The party were able to see London for a day before departing for Scotland and were keen to see the famous landmarks such as St Pauls Cathedral and Buckingham Palace. Shortly after they arrived they were treated to a dose of British weather when Islay was hit by stormy weather.
Without a doubt an immense amount has been learnt from all sides. Whilst Nottingham and Islay can offer assistance to how to support the development of leaders in sport and the PE curriculum both British parties agree they have a lot to learn from Brazil and Palau such as their strong sporting and community ethos and the dedication.
The Palau-Islay and Recife – Nottingham links are part of a network of young global citizens with enhanced awareness of other cultures and is exactly this kind of activity which is a feature driving the International Inspiration programme. More to come on the Palau-Islay trip and the impressions and learning gained from the young people and teachers.
