ES Bisesero Sportsground
Project Launch: 3-9-18
In Rwanda, like in much of the world, sports are students' favorite extracurricular activities. They require minimal resources, they allow time to socialize with friends, they promote teamwork and physical activity, and they offer an outlet for students who might not feel confident in the classroom but excel on the court. But at ES Bisesero, the school's multi-purpose sportsground has not been renovated in the fifteen years since it was first built. Its surface is pitted and cracked, making it likely that students -- who already wear broken shoes -- could injure themselves, the basketball hoops have no nets and only one backboard, and the volleyball infrastructure is by this point entirely gone. With this project, ES Bisesero hopes to renovate its court to make it a safe place for students to play. In addition, due gender norms and cultural traditions, boys dominate the court, and girls rarely have an opportunity to play basketball or volleyball. But the government of Rwanda values gender equality and encourages gender empowerment, so with this new court, we will hold gender empowerment trainings for male and female students and sports time specifically designated for girls.
Project Update: 6-15-18
A majority of the supplies for the construction/rehabilitation of the sportsground have been purchased, and Bisesero Secondary School is leading the construction project. The organizers of the project have held a pre-test and four training lessons on gender and leadership at the court already. These lessons are taught on a weekly basis and have been facilitated by teachers and student leaders. The student leaders are invaluable as they provide translations and examples, ask questions, and engage with the material confidently while allowing for easy communication amongst their peers.
Final Report: 9-10-18
In the past four months, ES Bisesero has totally rehabilitated its previously worn-down sports ground, making it safer and easier to use, as well as adding a volleyball court and acquiring new balls for basketball, volleyball, and soccer. Previously, limited space and equipment made it difficult for more than twenty or thirty students at a time to play. It was especially difficult for girls, but the school hopes the expanded offerings will enable them to participate. A group of students also participated in gender and leadership training which were paired with sports and games to encourage them to think critically, become leaders, involve others, and stay active.
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