This summer, 30 young people in the Kingston, Jamaica based UP Unity & Peace programme will participate in internships with seven organisations and be trained in teaching EduSports and play facilitation. EduSports is an approach to learning that combines education and sport.

During these internships, participants will learn skills including sport administration, grounds management, equipment maintenance, logistics support and sport coordination. 

Via EduSport, they will also learn to facilitate successful play sessions and be introduced to a series of games to aid literacy and numeracy.

In September, they will move on to becoming assistant coaches in schools in their local communities. 

Some of the interns explained their interest in sport, and how they think the initiative will impact them. “It helps young people to have a better future and better themselves”, said one participant.

Another added: “It will help individuals gain valuable skills and training and also develop the necessary professional behaviour to showcase in Jamaica society.” 

Delivery of this training forms part of the wider Spotlight Initiative, a global United Nations initiative, which is supported by the European Union and which aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.

The additional Edusport and play training elements of this summer’s internships, meanwhile, are supported by the Swedish Postcode Foundation. 

UP Unity & Peace is a Fight for Peace coordinated Collective programme that brings together services and organisations from across communities in support of young people. The programme is based in communities in Kingston, Jamaica.