Millions of eyes will be on
Brazil this week when the international footballing elite meet for the World
Cup finals. Football is hugely popular in many countries and there’s no doubt
that sport is a unifying force. But not every child has access to physical
education, games and sports. In Indonesia, traditionally most schools do not
consider physical education a priority. Children with special needs are often
unable to take part in the sports on offer. And many teachers think cleaning or
gardening are adequate “sports” for girls.
Playing sports and games is
good for children’s health. It also teaches skills like team work and improves
speed, agility and perception. Four years ago, UNICEF, in cooperation with the
Ministry of National Education, began work to improve access to inclusive
physical education, sports and play in Indonesia. The Sports for Development
programme was introduced in one district in each of four different provinces -
Jakarta, West Java, East Java and South Sulawesi.
UNICEF has helped to train
teachers from these provinces in how to build sports into the school timetable.
The teachers have been introduced to games which special needs pupils and other
students can play together. They have also learned how to make sports equipment
out of cheap, readily available materials. UNICEF is producing a number of
materials so that the Sports for Development programme can be replicated in
other districts across the country.
