By Drew Tyler (Arsenal), Rebecca Smith (Save the Children UK)
Following the announcement of the country’s first COVID-19 case on 2nd March, the Jordan government closed all schools as a precautionary measure. Its Ministry of Education (MoE) has since launched a home learning initiative to support children and young people to stay active and learning. They have done this through a partnership with national television broadcasters, and a new e-learning website.
The MoE approached Save the Children in Jordan to see if it was something the charity would be able to help with. When the Ministry approached Save the Children for support, we knew we were in a unique position to create something special.
Save the Children partnered with Arsenal Football Club to co-design and co-deliver a bespoke coaching programme called Coaching for Life. Launching two years ago, this programme harnesses 100 years of Save the Children's child protection expertise and 34 years of Arsenal in the Community's sports for development experience. Coaching for Life currently runs in two countries: Indonesia, where it supports children in the slums of Jakarta; and in Jordan delivering sessions to children who have fled war in Syria and now live in Za’atari refugee camp. Over 800 children have had access to sessions that help them build mental resilience through football. Building on our experience working together on Coaching for Life, we reached out to our friends at Arsenal and co-created a physical education class which will be broadcast to millions of children isolating at home in Jordan.
How did you find the process of designing a television programme from home?
D: I’ve been working with Save the Children for several years now, so it was a real honour to be asked. Lockdown can be difficult for many children so do be able to create something that will hopefully show children (and parents) that exercise can be fun and make it engaging for children. Having to stay at home was great motivation to get stuck in and come up with some new ideas!
The project came with some challenges, I expected not all children would have access to a large space to exercise so needed to come up with some routines that also worked for small enclosed areas. I also needed to be inventive with what equipment children might have at home.
The process was actually very enjoyable, although a bit strange, especially having to watch myself back on camera and I did make a few mistakes in the process. The highlight was probably when a ball was accidentally kicked into next door’s garden! I’ve been keeping fit during lockdown and running a lot, but it was nice to get in the garden and have a football at my feet.
What impact will this have for children?
D: I think it is crucial for us to stay connected with the children in Jordan, and in Za’atari Camp in particular. The relationship we have built means a lot to them and many children have had their sessions interrupted. For this reason, we shared the film directly with them, too, because they don’t have the same access we do to information or resources to help them stay active. It’s been amazing to help provide that.
R: We have known for a long time that physical health and mental health are connected. When you are physically tired, it is easier to sleep. When you feel too down to get out of bed, movement can give you energy and lift your spirits. Although our Coaching for Life participants in Jordan are currently isolating, we’re continuing to support their mental and social wellbeing through Coaching for Life. As Drew says, this film provided a great resource to keep connected with them.
How has Coaching for Life adapted to COVID-19 to support the mental wellbeing of children?
R: Our Coaching for Life sessions were designed to be delivered on the football pitch. Outside the MoE opportunity, we’re looking for ways to get the key messages across through other medium. We are still running our positive parenting sessions remotely and are using this time to conduct discussions with children and their caregivers about some of the key resilience messages. It is a great time for children to think about things like empathy and they type of person they want to be through this stressful time.
What tips can you share for children and families who are self-isolating?
D: More than ever, do what makes you happy. Long distance running isn’t particularly relevant for football, but I have found it very therapeutic to go on a long run and switch off.
There are also a lot of personal trainers, yoga instructors and sports people who are using this time to provide free sessions online, and I think it’s important to support them. We hope that this work we have done with the Jordanian Government will add something to the collection!
R: Take one day at a time. Sometimes life can feel overwhelming. Just focus on what it is you want to accomplish today. Everyone responds differently to stress. Some may be depressed and not see a way forward. Others will have too much nervous energy – obsessively cleaning or worrying about the future. Both of those reactions are just your mind trying to take control of something that is beyond your control. Think about what you may have done to relax or deal with stress before COVID-19 and how you can adapt this to your current situation. We have some key messages for caregivers and their children as well as some “stressbuster” activities that can help with relaxation.
What’s next for Coaching for Life?
D: The Ministry of Education approaching us to help with their programme of remote learning is one positive we can take from this situation. I hope that it will lead to more collaboration in the future. We still have a lot of work to do and children to support in the current phase of the programme, so I just can’t wait to get back over to Jordan and see the team and the kids!
R: Going forward, I hope that the children that attend the sessions will not only have a good knowledge of football, but also better understand themselves, be able to manage their emotions, and accomplish what they set out to do.
Find out more about Save the Children and Arsenal’s Coaching for Life programme
