MOC conducted a two days inclusion workshop at Kamuzu Institute for sports in Lilongwe to promote the social development of young athletes. The workshop, held under the O! YES Framework, drew 52 participants, including 20 teachers and 32 learners from various schools in Lilongwe.
MOC Technical Officer, James Mangani in an interview said the O! Yes programme is an Olympafrica initiative.
“We combine sport and education throughout the values of this programme to educate children so that they should have a positive change of behavior and attitude for a better society. We are focusing on teaching volunteers and learners on how they can co –exist with the learners with learners and children with disabilities. We encourage them that whenever they are planning or doing activities, they should include those with disabilities.
Mangani said as per international Olympic Values a spirit of inclusion should be encouraged in all areas of life be it school or sports opportunities.
A teacher from Mchesi Primary, Chisomo Sitima, described the workshop as enriching.
“We have been drilled in the art of inclusion and volunteerism. We have learned a lot. At my school, we have a lot of children with disabilities and most times they are sidelined or feel marginalize by the other learners. We have learned how we can reach them and make them feel appreciated and part of the school as well as involve them in all activities.’’
Sitima said she will work with the sports committee at her school to achieve the objectives of inclusion so that no learner feels sidelined.
MOC Vice General Secretary, Dennis Kumwenda said O! Yes programme is important for teachers and learners because they acquire skills and knowledge they can use at school and in their communities.
“We are required to train the participants every year, but we only had 52, this is an on going programme and we want to reach out to as many people as possible.” he said._ Singayazi Kaminjolo