How does our Spaces S4D training approach look like in Egypt?

In the Spaces for Youth Egypt initiative, SPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT - S4D is used as an approach to inclusion and capacity development of young people. Through play-based and sport-based activities, young people learn basic life skills such as communication, teamwork or determination, which they will need at school and for their future professional careers. In addition, the youngsters learn about healthy behaviours, such as exercise and nutrition, and they develop important personal qualities. This can help them take responsibility in their local communities and contribute to the common good.

Specifically trained SPACES S4D COACHES play a pivotal role in our approach. They deliver our learning content in a way that engages the youngsters so that it truly benefits the youth participants. Their regular support and engagement with the young people ensures a successful implementation at the local level.

Our SPACES S4D COURSE concept builds on existing experiences and competencies of our participants as a sports coach or PE teacher, and it duly takes local and personal contexts into account. Our training programme equips future S4D coaches with a good understanding of the S4D methodology. This includes specific know-how on how to make sport more inclusive and accessible for everyone, with a key focus on using sports-based content to strengthen young people's confidence and self-efficacy beliefs, as well as conveying values and life skills.

The SPACES FOR YOUTH TRAINING APPROACH in Egypt is practice-oriented and aims to prepare the participants specifically for their task of conducting effective youth empowerment courses for the context in their own communities in the Governorates of Cairo, Fayum, Asyut, and Port Said. For it, the training content is primarily delivered on the sports field, allowing one to immerse oneself in the role of the target group and being constantly reminded to whom the offerings are intended for. After a successful completion of part one and part two of the Spaces S4D Training Courses, the coaches receive a certificate, granting them the title of a Spaces S4D Coaches.

During the training and later implementation, the Spaces S4D Coaches are supported by trained, local SPACES S4D MENTORS. These Mentors come from the four Egyptian Governorates so that they are fully aware of the local development context. They accompany our Coaches throughout the entire process, ensuring that they have sufficient support during both the training and implementation phases of the local activities with the youngsters.

In addition, the SPACES approach promotes collaboration within the different participating communities. So-called SPACES CLUSTER COORDINATORS ensure effective and timely implementation at the local level and they assist both the Coaches and Mentors in recruiting participants for the local SPACES YOUTH EMPOWERMENT COURSES and in the operational planning and execution of these courses with the youngsters in the local communities.