Hayley Barr with EduSport co-ordinator Kelvin
When part-taking in UKSport’s Zambian branch of the IDEALS (International Development Through Excellence And Leadership In Sport) programme, the two were both on placement coaching sport and educating about the dangers of the HIV/AIDS virus in Lusaka, Zambia’s capital. Following such an amazing experience, they felt the need to give something back to a community that had offered them so much.
The IDEALS student's work stretches well beyond coaching
The University of Stirling have been involved with the IDEALS project since it’s birth in 2005 sending 4 students to Lusaka every year since and this year sent nursing students for the first time.
This year, it seems their work has extended well beyond coaching.
Caitlin, 3rd year student, said “The netball girls were such an inspiration to me with their enthusiasm and passion for netball. They were incredibly talented yet did not have the facilities they deserved. Because of this I was determined to provide them with the netball court”.
The compound of Kalingalinga is one of several where Zambian Non-Government Organisation EduSport operates. They believe that by bringing people together through a love of sport, they can educate young people in the dangers of unprotected sex, drug abuse and alcoholism. They also aim to empower and inspire young people to be all they can.
The funds were raised by Hayley and Caitlin who, working with the UK Charity Friends of EduSport organised the entire project.
According the Cezarin Phiri, one of the netball players at Kalingalinga, their work will have an inspirational impact.
“Since we have a court, most of the girls will get involved. Most would say it was dangerous to play on the surface before, but now more of the girls will be inspired to play”.
However, the work extends further than just a netball court. The project has brought people together from all over Kalingalinga, eager to help do their bit in the construction. Keen to share her love for a community with her family, Hayley’s father and uncle, both builders by trade, flew out to Lusaka to help co-ordinate and construct the court.
They too were keen to help out as much as possible and repaired over 50 desks at the Kalingalinga School.
Hayley’s Uncle Arthur was delighted to be able to contribute to the project and to something which meant so much to Hayley.
“Having plastered the walls which was a great team effort by everyone, we needed something to keep us out of trouble which is when the school said they needed desks repairing which we were more than happy to do”.
Stirling’s mark has been left not only on the court, but on the wall which borders the school, where Hayley and Caitlin have painted the University’s logo to ensure recognition is given where due.
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