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Second run of online global course goes live
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Sign up today for our updated open access global course and discover how sport can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals and other priorities.

Link to course registration page: open for sign-up

sportanddev and partners announce the second run of a global course on sport and development to mark the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP).

The course Sport for Sustainable Development: Designing effective policies and programmes has been updated following feedback from the first run and is now available for sign-up.

The course was launched in July 2020 by the International Platform on Sport and Development (sportanddev), the Australian Government and Commonwealth Secretariat to maximise the contribution sport can make to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other priorities.

The massive open online course (MOOC) is designed to build capacity among individuals and organisations using sport for development in their policies and programmes. The course is free and open access and has clearly met an identified need, with instant uptake across the globe.

Launch of the second run

The course has been comprehensively assessed in order to improve it for a second run. This includes soliciting feedback from an expert reference group and through a learner survey.

This feedback will used to update the course appropriately, including the following components:

  • A dedicated component related to sport and COVID-19 with guidance and resources
  • Improved focus on crosscutting issues such as human rights, gender and safeguarding
  • Increased signposting to key initiatives, resources and tools, including other courses
  • Enhancing the user journey and experience, taking into account learner feedback

The updated course will start on 10 May, 2021: sign-up for the second run today.

The partners are also exploring the options of making the course accessible in other languages, with a focus on the other UN official languages: French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic and Mandarin.

Highlights from the first run

During the first course run (from July – December 2020), more than 3,400 learners from 165 countries across six continents joined the course. Further highlights include:

  • 96% of learners surveyed* indicated the course met or exceeded their expectations
  • 95% of learners surveyed* indicated they gained new knowledge or skills in the course
  • 92% of learners surveyed* indicated that they were satisfied with the course
  • 75% of learners surveyed* indicated that they have shared learnings with other people
  • Excellent learner engagement with structured peer to peer learning and networking
  • Gender split of enrolled learners – 48% female / 51% male (1% non-binary) **

The course attracted a range of audiences, including from the public, private and third sectors, prominent sporting institutions, intergovernmental agencies, NGOs and other key stakeholders. Many actors cited the course as filling a crucial gap in the sport and development field.

62% of learners surveyed indicate they have already applied the information, tools and resources from the course in their policies, programmes and projects, meaning the course is having a real-world impact on sport and development.

Maureen Rosita Ojong Ebob-Besong, a youth leader and entrepreneur in sport and development from Senegal, described how the course helped progress her career: ”I benefited from the four-week online training course as I learnt more about pitching, structuring, and developing sport for development (S4D) initiatives and programs. The tools and documentation helped me gain more knowledge about sport and development. I encourage people to register for the course, be they S4D instructors or administrators. A big thank you to all who helped develop and deliver this world class training which I recommend to all with an interest in the field.

Background

The course features contributions from around the world and was designed in conjunction with an expert reference group and academic team. It empowers learners to explore aspects of programme design and implementation and understand how to measure the impact of policies and programmes. It also explores key concepts on sport and gender equality, disability, human rights, social inclusion, peacebuilding and safeguarding, with practical insights from experts. The course is deliberately interactive and includes engaging video and audio content, as well as encouraging learners to share their on-ground experiences and insights at every stage. 

For more information on the course and to sign up, please visit the course page

The International Platform on Sport and Development, the Australian Government and Commonwealth Secretariat would like to thank all those who contributed to the development of the course, including the Expert Reference Group, academic team, and other key stakeholders. 

About the Partners

The International Platform on Sport and Development

sportanddev is the leading hub for organisations and individuals using sport for development to share knowledge, build good practice, coordinate with others, and create partnerships. For more information about sportanddev visit http://www.sportanddev.org

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

The Australian Government supports sport for development and sports diplomacy programs that strengthen international connections, build safer communities, and facilitate the participation of women, girls, and people with disability. For more information about Team Up, the Australian Government's flagship sport for development investment visit https://www.teamup.gov.au

Commonwealth Secretariat

The Commonwealth Secretariat supports member countries to achieve development, democracy, and peace. The Secretariat’s work helps to grow economies and boost trade, empower young people, and address threats such as climate change, debt and inequality. For more information about the Commonwealth Secretariat visit http://www.thecommonwealth.org

Academic and course development team

Bond University, Australia; The Academy of Sport, University of Edinburgh; Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy, SOAS University of London; Woodgate Consulting

Expert Reference Group

African Union Sports Council; Barbados Olympic Association; Botswana; Commonwealth Games Federation; Commonwealth Youth Sport for Development and Peace network; Durham University; Government of Anguilla; Grupo Internacional de la Paz; International Olympic Committee; The International Safeguarding in Sport Advisory Board; International Working Group on Women and Sport; Oceania Swimming Association; Plataforma Deporte para el Desarrollo y la Paz; Rekha Dey & Associates; Samoa Association of Sports & National Olympic Committee; UNICEF; University of Malaya; University of Zambia; Urece Sports and Culture.

For more information, please contact:
Ben Sanders, sportanddev.org, Tel: +27 84 969 4942, [email protected]

* The post-course survey is optional, meaning it has not been completed by all learners
** Gender and other demographic information is optional and not provided by all learners

Authors

Senior Consultant
sportanddev