The concept of ‘health-promoting schools’ is based on the understanding that education and health are interdependent and that schools can play a vital role in promoting health. Thus, schools can play a crucial role in providing children with opportunities to learn about healthy lifestyles and develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to make healthy choices. During 18 – 19 April we participated in a 2-day Physical Education workshop (Foundation Phase: Grade 1-3) with the Siyaphakama sports coordinators. The workshop was conducted at Isaac Booi School and was facilitated by Dr Danielle Dolley (South African coordinator for the KaziBantu project), Mooveshni Dumalingam (a biokineticist pursuing a Master’s in fundamental movement skills) and Abraham du Randt (rugby coach and former Physical Education teacher). The workshop was aimed at enhancing skills and knowledge of the sports coordinators and covered a range of topics, including theoretical knowledge based on movement concepts and themes, classroom management strategies and the designing of a lesson plan.
The Sports coordinators were also given the opportunity to practically apply their learnt knowledge with the learners during the workshop. A total of 16 coaches participated in the workshop, consisting of 6 male and 9 female coaches. The workshop equipped them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach Physical Education, including its role in sports development and facilitating Physical Education lessons. The learners were laughing, shouting and playing all kinds of games. Some run around and chased each other, while others jumped and skipped. They were engrossed in their play and seemed to have forgotten about everything else. The Siyaphakama coaches left the workshop with a newfound sense of confidence in their abilities. With a strengthened foundation and a passion for promoting Physical Education, the Siyaphakama coaches left determined to make a positive and lasting impact on the learners they would guide and inspire.
