Youth Service Skills

Description

The goal of this grant is to strengthen the planning and implementation of the National Primary School Sports Program by developing a Standard Operating Manual for tournaments and enhancing the annual training for sport coordinators. Strengthening training and establishing consistent processes will improve efficiency and professionalism, leading to more stable, year-round support for youth sports. Over time, this is expected to expand the number of schools and children participating, supporting their growth into well-rounded adults.

Working alongside the national sports authority, Peace Corps Volunteers will co-plan and co-facilitate a week-long annual training for thirty-two coordinators. This training will strengthen soft skills such as conflict resolution, communication, and time management, as well as technical skills including rules of play, officiating, and scorekeeping. The tournament manual will serve as the primary reference for coordinators and administrative staff, outlining standardized procedures, sport-specific regulations, and operational checklists for tasks such as scheduling, scoring, officiating, and conflict resolution.

Approximately 7,300 students under age 14 and around 80 schools participate each year across five disciplines: football, basketball, volleyball, softball, and athletics. This tournament is the only permanent nationwide sports competition for primary schools and, for many children, their main opportunity to learn and participate in organized sports.