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Shaping the lives of future leaders
'Dreams and Teams' promotes leadership through sports

By Esther Williams
Children respond better in an informal learning environment and sports provide just the right setting. So believes the UK based Youth Sport Trust that has developed an international programme called Dreams and Teams to train young people as leaders.

The programme uses sports as the medium to practise leadership as well as life skills. They look at planning, organising, communications and working as a team, none of which are specific to sports, nonetheless using sports, a fun environment as a medium to practise those skills. It is hoped that the whole range of skills they learn would be applied to future careers and life in general.

Developed during the last three years in UK, the Trust has thus far trained groups in 21 countries. "Sports is a good vehicle for learning," explains International Trainer Karen Arnold, adding that the skills they acquire in leadership will improve confidence and self esteem and other qualities beneficial in life and business.

The programme was brought to Sri Lanka through the joint efforts of the British Council and the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Education and Cultural Affairs. Students and teachers from schools in Colombo and Kandy participated with representatives from the Ministry and The Girls Guides Association at the National Institute of Sports Science between June 16- 20.

The week's training involved introducing of ideas, sharing information, planning and organising a sports event, timing a programme, taking care of the safety aspect and planning a sports festival.

The first part of the programme was with teachers to introduce the idea of helping young people learn through a different style. Sessions with both teachers and students that comprised of group work and discussions followed. The grand finale was the organisation of a sports festival for 150 children, safely and effectively, followed by an evaluation.

Karen Arnold explains the need for such a programme. "It is to help young people develop as good citizens and leaders for the future and therefore not intended to develop sport but rather develop young people. We happen to use sports because it is a fun way."

Having shared her ideas, Karen now hopes that the teams will meet to make their own decisions on how it will work here in Sri Lanka. "What works in England will not work here," she continues and so hopes that the participants with support from the British Council will develop suitable programmes and ideas here and at a later date extend it to other schools and guides.

Kishore Ahmed and Chaturanga Dasun De Silva of D. S. Senanayake College were thrilled to be the only school in Colombo selected for the training. "We have had practical experience in planning an event and were made aware of our weak areas in planning," says Chaturanga. The training provided a new learning experience for Kishore who found certain aspects of planning such as safety measures, and timing the event very appropriate, something they had never considered before.

Deepalsri Wijeratne and Wathjala Herath of Berrewaerts College, Kandy were happy to conduct a festival for 150 students without a rehearsal. They hope to use their skills in their own school activities.

The programme would complement school education, emphasises Karen, as the young leaders would successfully assist in all school activities with their new skills.

As an approach she asserts that it has improved academic achievement. It would have special appeal to those who prefer sports to academics. "Once they gain confidence and knowledge in that area, they could use it to become better in academics," Karen suggests.

Asked if there would be any kind of follow-up programme, Karen explained that there would be a teacher from UK who will visit Sri Lanka to establish a link between young leaders of their school and the Sri Lankan schools. Though initial links (contact, sharing of ideas, swapping ideas, learning about culture, religion, etc.) will be through the Internet and e-mail, they hope to build a big network in the future with perhaps, a Dreams and Teams web site and probably even exchange visits.

In addition, young leaders could work towards the Dreams and Teams awards (Bronze, Silver and Gold) - a recognition for the work done, she suggested.

Co-ordinating officer for sports and physical education (Ministry of Education), Neel S. Athukorale was enthusiastic too. "Our country needs young leaders!" he said.

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