UK (Commonwealth Union)_ Sport serves as a unifying force among the diverse populations of the Commonwealth, instilling a sense of pride and camaraderie within its communities. Beyond its recreational appeal, sport is increasingly recognized as a valuable tool for promoting sustainable development and fostering positive societal change. In collaboration with the International Platform on Sport and Development and the Australian Government, the Commonwealth Secretariat has introduced an online course, offered free of charge, to support this evolving endeavor.
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The Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) titled “Sport for Sustainable Development: Designing Effective Policies and Programs” was initially delivered exclusively in English but is now accessible in multiple languages, including French, Spanish, and Arabic. Throughout the course, participants will delve into various aspects, including the benefits and challenges of utilizing sport in development initiatives, the effective design and implementation of sport-based policies, and measuring the impact using established methodologies. Additionally, key topics such as sport and gender equality, disability inclusion, human rights, social cohesion, peacebuilding, good governance, and safeguarding are comprehensively covered.
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With over 6,500 individuals from 189 countries already enrolled, feedback indicates the course’s practicality and immediate applicability, highlighting its efficacy in preparing stakeholders for real-world scenarios.While English serves as the principal language of communication for many Commonwealth nations, catering to diverse linguistic preferences is paramount. The introduction of French-language instruction, for instance, has garnered praise from officials like Dr. Baptiste Henry Bernard, Director of the Mauritius Sports Council, emphasizing its accessibility and inclusivity within bilingual communities like Mauritius. He stated, “We believe that sport is an exceptional tool that has major social and economic benefits. We are bilingual in Mauritius, and so having the French version of the course will make it accessible to every level of our community.”
Dr. Lin Sambili-Gicheha, Project Manager for Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) at the Commonwealth Secretariat, underscored the importance of multilingualism in ensuring broader participation and impactful outcomes. She emphasized the transformative potential of sport in addressing global challenges and advancing socio-economic development agendas across member countries. She stated, “At the Commonwealth Secretariat, we champion inclusivity because it is at the heart of the charter that drives our very existence. Many of our Commonwealth countries face significant global challenges, but we also have many tools that can improve people’s lives, strengthen communities, and improve the economic outlook. Sport is one of those tools that can be used to effect transformative change.” She added, “With the addition of new languages, it is hoped that more stakeholders can benefit from this free training, which then can be used to work towards meaningful change throughout our member countries.”
The comprehensive eight-week course, hosted on the FutureLearn platform, equips NGOs, policymakers, and sports professionals with essential principles, tools, and techniques in the realm of sport for development. Further, testimonials from course graduates further validate its effectiveness, citing invaluable insights gleaned from real-life practitioners and the course’s balanced portrayal of challenges and successes. By harnessing the power of sport, initiatives and policies can be formulated to foster sustainable peace, resilient communities, and safe environments for youth. Launched in July 2020, the course prioritizes delivering information in an engaging and meaningful manner, ensuring its relevance and impact in the ever-evolving landscape of sport for development.
