Improving physical and emotional wellbeing
Many young people growing up in slum communities are significantly impacted by the social aspects of poverty – school drop-out, unemployment, domestic and gender-based violence, alcoholism, abuse, exploitation and poor mental health. Their vulnerability is exacerbated by rapid social change which is widening the generation gap and increasing conflict within families.
The problem:
A lack of parental care and guidance, weaknesses in the public education system and a number of negative social customs mean that children growing up in urban poverty face a plethora of challenges which adversely affect their wellbeing and healthy development.
Our solution:
We collaborate with community groups and government schools in poor urban areas to promote the value of life skills and sport for children’s holistic and healthy development. We support government schools to integrate life skills and sports into their regular curriculum.
Life Skills
International evidence shows that behaviours developed during adolescence determine an individual’s health and well-being for a lifetime, hence one of our priorities is to support socially excluded young people to increase their resilience and develop social assets such as life skills, sexual, reproductive, physical and mental health awareness.
We have developed an innovative Life Skills course relevant to teenagers growing up in urban poverty. This course, delivered in community groups and schools, supports young people to develop life skills and knowledge on key protection and wellbeing issues.
We are currently working with government schools in Pokhara and Butwal to ensure that Life Skills Education is mainstreamed into the local government curriculum, so that all teenagers have the opportunity to develop the skills needed for positive futures.
I found the facilitator used various techniques such as telling stories, case studies and showing photos. It was a very lively discussion where every child was equally engaged.
Chair, School Management Committee after observing a Life Skills Education class
I was very impressed to see the children enjoyed the class and the subject matter was easily understandable for all.
If every teacher of our school followed the same teaching techniques, this would result in a big change in the school within two years.”
Sports for Development
Regular participation in sports has been proven to promote teamwork and leadership, social skills, tolerance and positive attitudes. Despite these proven benefits, children in urban poverty in Nepal have limited or no opportunity to engage in regular sports.
In partnership with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Foundation we have been supporting extracurricular cricket development in 16 schools in Pokhara, with a particular emphasis on promoting the equal participation of girls. We also link talented players with wider development opportunities, for example, training with local and national clubs.
We are now working with local education authorities and schools to integrate sports education and activities into the regular curriculum, to ensure that all children have the opportunity to participate.
Donate today to enable children and young people living in chronic urban poverty to have safer brighter futures.