Volunteer Program Overview
Soccer, volleyball, tennis and other sports are offered at our partner schools. Most of our partners welcome new ideas for their youth athletic programs. By supporting this effort, you are offering a dynamic platform to educate and empower youth, keeping them off the streets and inspiring them to become active.
Language Requirements: There is no language requirement
The Need
Engaging youth in sports is essential to both individual and community health, as it leads to the empowerment and social inclusion of vulnerable youth. In addition, it stimulates physical, social, cognitive and emotional development. Sports programs aid dialogue and the development of communication and conflict resolution skills, critical in this community where youth are coping with post-conflict trauma (due to previous realities of drug trafficking). Participating in sports provides a fun and secure platform for educators to promote sustainable social change for youth.
Implementation Details
- Support sporting programs in local schools
- Lead and organize activities
- Network with local school staff and Community in Action staff
- Monitor students’ progress and write debriefs
Volunteer Feedback
“Having the opportunity to interact with the children is a memory that I will always have. Their happiness and joy for life is something we could all learn from.” – Matthew (USA)
“On the first day, all of the children came and participated immediately in the activities. They were very excited and talked to us as if we had known each other for a long time. It was so great to be in that setting–I loved it!” – Vania (Portugal)
“My personal favorite was on Saturdays in Vidigal, Playlife, which combined teaching English with football. The kids were so enthusiastic and fun-loving, and you could easily see the impact being made even though I was only there for two weeks.” – Dan (UK)