Youths given an opportunity to shine in sports
GRESSWOLD – Plans are under way to develop the sporting skills of the youth in Region E.
The Institute for Skills Empowerment (ISE) is a non-profit organisation based in Gresswold.
The organisation is a skills development facilitator focusing on youth development for a just and sustainable world. According to sporting director David Mashiyi, among the organisation’s four objectives– sports, arts and culture [as one objective] have 50 per cent activity time dedicated to them. The other three objectives are skills development/entrepreneurship, education as well as supervision and mentorship with 16.66 per cent activity time each dedicated to them.
“All four objectives interweave towards developing the qualities youth need to be productive and positive adults in their communities. Decision making, teamwork, problem-solving, being responsible and having high self-esteem are just a few of the many skills ISE seeks to develop among youth,” explained Mashiyi.
He added that they have been operating for five years and they believe in empowering the whole family rather than just the individual.
Their main aim for the sport’s objective is to develop cricket in Region E schools. Mashiyi said, “We have a process in place to select kids to be part of our Cricket Development Programme. The selection criteria are talent, hard work, discipline, team player and good behaviour at school.
“The programme is focused on developing players from townships, rural areas and nearby suburbs. The main aim is to identify talented players that are not identified by the system, give them the best coaching, mentorship and give them opportunities in sport and outside sports environment.”
He added that they also have the sport exchange programme which is the partnership between ISE and partners from abroad like Clarendon Club in Jamaica and Barbados Cricket Association. The partnership is about sending young players to go and play cricket and also learn about the cultures of another country. “The partnership with Clarendon will start with U15.
“The plan is to tour Jamaica in July with our U15s and have them come to us the same month. In September will have the Barbados U19s touring here and our U19s will tour Barbados in turn.”
With these plans in the pipeline, the ISE is looking for U15s and U19s to participate.
Mashiyi concluded, “Our teams belong to the communities. It is important that we serve communities and be part of the communities. We will have community development days where we will give back. Our communities need this kind of engagement to unearth hidden talent.”
Details: For more information, contact David Mashiyi davidmashiyi@yahoo.com
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