Mbale uses sports to attract learners

Apr 21, 2002

THE football team of Child Restoration Outreach (CRO) in Mbale town recently received a plaque honouring their achievement.

THE football team of Child Restoration Outreach (CRO) in Mbale town recently received a plaque honouring their achievement.Founded in 1992 as a response to the growing number of street children in Mbale, CRO, works to rehabilitate street children and reconcile them with God and their families. The CRO centre provides services to children such as education, health care, and counselling. CRO activities are made possible by support from donor organisations, one of which is World Learning, Inc.World Learning works to strengthen the efforts of nine Ugandan NGOs working the area of education through the Community Action to Support Education (CASE) Project. CRO became a partner of World Learning in 1999. Under the CASE project, CRO requested support to develop a programme that helped street children make the transition to formal school. CRO activities to achieve this goal have included teacher training in learner-centred techniques, curriculum development, expanding the library and counselling services, and instituting a sports and music program.The CRO sports progamme provides a beneficial learning environment for the children outside of the classroom and fosters their physical, mental, and social growth. Sports empower the children to realise their potential, as they are able to work toward tangible goals that allow them to experience their skill development and progress. Participation in group sports allows students to learn valuable life skills such as cooperation, trust, patience, perseverance, problem-solving and confidence.The children's achievements on the football field have eased the transition to formal school. CRO reports that the children's participation in organised sports has resulted in a decrease in violent behaviour...The CRO football players proudly wear their uniforms that no longer convey only their history of being street children. Instead, they have a reputation for being the most talented football team of their age group in Mbale. The children's athletic skills and ability make them feel more accepted among children in the mainstream schools.The success of CRO's football team should be attributed to the effort and energy of the players and the commitment of the CRO staff. World Learning is committed to giving children at CRO the opportunity to participate in organised sports and will continue to cheer on the CRO football team. Laura HudsonPROWorld Learning, Inc.CASE Project.Ends

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