Orphans

Contribution:

The immediate and long-term damage caused by family separation and unsuitable alternative care brings negative consequences. Sport can provide unique contributions to these scenarios:

• It can help children to push their limits and build their resilience (63) and increase their mental and physical well-being.
• Capacity to strengthen self-esteem and other relevant life skills such as communication, teamwork and discipline.
• Sport can spread positive advocacy messages around this topic.

International endorsement:

UNICEF Universal Rights of Children:
Every child has a right to leisure, play, and participation in cultural and artistic activities

WHO Global action plan on physical activity
Activity 3.3: In partnership with education, health and child-care sectors, implement programmes aimed at families, parents and caregivers to develop the skills to help young children enjoy active play and explore within the family environment.

•  Orphanages and other care institutions lacking adequate Sport equipment/facilities
• Children submerged in trauma episodes with symptoms of depression, anxiety, among others
• Lack of specialized trainers and adapted methodologies to deal with orphans
• Many youths are forced to leave school/clubs to look after younger siblings

Safeguarding in Sport:

• Define procedures to identify a potential risk situation when orphans participate in clubs.
• Referring procedures and protocols should also be set if infringement occurs of any of its universal rights.
• Working with orphans living in shelters of orphanages may carry on legal issues. Sport for All practitioners should be aware of local legislation, e.g. EU guidelines on family reunification.

Role of a coach as alternative caregivers:

• Through their actions and words, these people inspire and guide the children and youth around them.
• Consistent, positive emotional relations with a caring adult is a significant protective factor and help build resilience, enabling children and youth to better manage the challenges in their lives.
• Coaches should be skilled (technical Sport skills), enthusiastic teachers and athlete role models.
• Coaches play a critical role in safeguarding children and mitigating possible negative influences.

Approach of activities:

• Orphanages and other care institutions should see agreements with public Sport facilities.
• Regular activities should be sustained (at least one once a week).
• Attention should be paid to help children for integration into society once they are out of the orphanage. Integrational events can be organised by mixing these children with others not living in the orphanage. Also, they can prepare teams and compete in local leagues or school competitions.
• Combine Sport with other expressions that can improve children’s capacity for resilience: dance, music and arts.

Other Tips

• Every individual should be given proper attention: Avoid forgetting child’s basic information: names, hobbies.
• Other individuals may also provide alternative care: friends, neighbors, young leaders in a community, other staff in orphanages. These caregivers should get adequate capabilities to work with orphans.
• Professional athletes and other role models can contribute to transmitting messages of hope to young orphans.

• Messages of hope for orphans in Algeria (in French). Click Here
• Child safeguarding Toolkit for UEFA member associations. Click Here
• Story of an orphan in Ukraine. Click Here

Slavata Triathlon Tours

• The Tours mainly focus on Czech orphanages and children from socially disadvantaged families.
• The event introduces them to the three-triathlon disciplines of running, cycling and swimming.

More information:

Video of the event Click Here