UCLan give Zambia children 'Right to Play'

International Aid Agency ‘Right to Play UK’ has endorsed a degree module thought to be the first of its kind in the world. 

Called ‘Sport International Aid and Development’, the module will be completed by 12 second year UCLan students on a two week placement in Kabwe, Zambia.

Cultural experience

Course Leader, Cliff Olsson, said “The students from the Sports Studies, Coaching and Development degrees will travel to Nkrumah College in Kabwe to deliver sport leadership and development to children in poverty stricken areas.  Staying at Nkrumah Halls of Residence, students will experience a life-changing, cultural experience whilst delivering humanitarian aid that will help children to play and have fun.”

Right To Play is an athlete-driven international humanitarian organisation that uses sport and play as a tool for development of children and youth in the most disadvantaged areas of the world.  Their programmes aim to improve the lives of children affected by poverty, war and disease. 

Working closely with communities to set up sport and play, the programmes are designed to teach important skills including leadership, teamwork, conflict resolution, self-esteem, communication, commitment, respect and fair-play. 

Sylvester Mbewe from the Nkrumah College of Education said the project with benefit all parties involved.

“The UK is in the developed world and Zambia is a developing nation.  Our students from Nkrumah will benefit when it comes to community sport, sports management, and leadership skills.  The students from UCLan will experience sporting activities in a less privileged society.  They will see how we teach sports using traditional Zambian games and locally produced equipment and will join in with our Zambian dances and songs.”