The Calm after the storm Part 2

Practice 8

Last Thursday (as noted in the previous blog) we were part of the GRS Coaches’ development session. A weekly event that brings together all the coaches in the site, helping them improve their delivery of the all important Skillz curriculum. Grassroot Soccer is commited to excellent delivery of this very important prevention strategy amojng youths in its flagship sites (mainly based in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia). We, the interns were given a fast track look into the sessions (we got to see 7 out of the 9 done in 2 days last week), which helped give us an idea of what the program is about.

N.B. Out of respect of the coaches I have not included their names in any of these posts.

This particular practice was led by N., and it is entitled "Red Card." Borrowing the use of the red card in football to expel a player who is sent off the field of play for dangerous play or excessive infringements, this game helps the kids highlight situations that can lead to the contraction of the HIV/AIDS virus. By Practice 8 it is hoped that the kids have added to their knowledge base, and they are aware of the stigmas, risks and negative behaviors associated with HIV and AIDS. N. was very upbeat and she conveyed the message clearly and concisely. The energy of the coaches is truly inspirational and today’s practice was a reflection of that.

This is the second last practice so one hopes the kids are fully aware of the risks associated with the HIV virus, and importantly all the situations that can lead to transmission of the disease. The key in this game is to highlight the risks that can lead to transmission, so no other key messages or Skillz terms are introduced in this particular game.

Coach N. divided the room into 5 groups, each assigned a role play situation that they would act out in front of the whole group. Eah group took the call to make the skits funny and indeed we were treated to some entertaining shorts! The key moments in each skit are when the audience gets to use their red cards to indicate when a risky situation arises. Whether it be the cab drive asking for a young girl’s phone number; peer pressure to have unproted sex; a teacher showing an abnormal interest in a student or a mother encouraging her son/daughter to go out with an older person. Once again, visual learning is utilized. Helping the kids understand fully what a situation that would warrant a “red card” may look like. The coach was quick to emphasize that we will not have red cards in all the situations we face in day yto life, but highlighting the potentially risky situations is extremely important.

The Coach’s guide suggests that it is ok for boys to play girls and vice versa, I found this to be a profound point as it helps both sexes understand different roles that the other genders can play. It is particularly important in highlighting the way women have been traditionally been forced to submit in many cultures, something that young boys may not necessarily be aware of.

After each role N. asked several questions in order to ensure the audience completely understood why red cards were given. She also asked how the situation was related to HIV, an important point as you bring the learning experience full circle. She also asked if the particular situations played out happen in the community. Yes will be the typical answer in the sites that GRS is based, making the red card exercise very relevant.

The lesson gets even more personal as coach asks if anyone can share a story about a time they found themselves in one of those situations. With the trust and experiences shared among participants this can be a crucial teaching moment, that only enhances the lesson. The coach asks the volunteer how they got out of the situation and tells to the group as a whole that these situations can be overcome, with early action. Red card is an important lesson, and the role plays put a real life twist on all the lessons learnt in Skillz. Thank you N. for a great lesson.