Webinars highlight benefits of online global course

In 2020, sportanddev, the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Australian government launched the first run of their massive open online course (MOOC) - Sport for Sustainable Development: Designing Effective Policies and Programmes.

The successful first run reached 3,400 learners across 165 countries. With feedback from learners and an expert reference group comprised of global stakeholders, the course has now been updated. This includes the following enhancements for the second run:

• 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, and other courses
• Enhancing the user journey and experience, taking into account learner feedback

To discuss the course, share experiences and understand how different stakeholders may benefit from the course, two interactive webinars were held on 27 May.

Webinar: Europe, Middle East, Africa, Americas

The Europe, Middle East, Africa and Americas webinar saw over 100 participants attend from across the globe. It was moderated by Ben Sanders from the International Platform on Sport and Development and Marisa Schlenker from the Yunus Sports Hub.

Panellists in this webinar included:

• Professor Oscar Mwaanga, University of London
• Maureen Rosita Ojong Ebob-Besong, youth leader in sport for development
• Game Mothibi, Board member International Working Group on Women and Sport
• Julia Tappendorf, International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Foundation

Watch a recording of this webinar

Webinar: Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific webinar saw 86 participants attend from across the region. The webinar was moderated by Melissa Velvel Fare from the Vanuatu Cricket Association and Andrew Lepani from Team Up.

Panellists included:

• Sainimili Saukuru, Oceania Sports Education Program (OSEP) Coordinator
• Lua Rikis, Athlete, SDG Champion
• Henry Tavoa, Director of Youth Development and Sport, Vanuatu Government
• Rekha Dey, Yuwa India
• Trần Thị Thu Hương, ChildFund Vietnam
• Dr Katherine Raw, Western Sydney University

Watch a recording of this webinar

Both webinars shared diverse perspectives on the course, allowing participants to hear from academics, government officials, students, practitioners, policy makers and athletes. The webinars were well received, with the majority of participants indicating that they enjoyed the discussion, especially in hearing from individuals who have taken the course and understanding how the course can help them and their organisations.

Remember that you can sign up for the course here.

We have also attached an instruction sheet to guide you through the registration process.