REPORT EYP Preparatory Workshop Deaf League
 
Participants:

• Head teachers and games teachers of the 8 participating deaf schools
• EYP-coaches/staff
• Club coaches David Otti and Ibrahim Mugisha
• 3 referees

 
Program:

• Deaf Topic presentation by Mr. Maurice Senyonga (Kyambogo university)
• Coaches instruction by Mr. Eddy Butindo (Kyambogo Univ, Head coach of TKL)
• Presentation on first aid/sport injuries by Dr. Opoka (Medical instructor)
• Discussions on challenges deaf schools, deaf children in sports
• Demands and expectations of the Deaf League
• Handing out soccer equipment (for each school: UG dictionary for the deaf, soccer manual, set goal posts/net, balls, bibs, boots).
  

 
Deaf Topic & coaches instructions were aimed at raising awareness/interest of participants and equipping them with the basic skills. It is expected that participants will be more pro-active in developing their skills, and are more aware of their opportunities. E.g. on internet a lot of learning materials are available for free. Moreover, having the majority of the deaf schools/units in one room, together with the youth soccer experts, offers a great opportunity to create an effective lobby network for the deaf youth. 

All agreed that for working with the deaf actually not so much extra is needed: Know the person, show respect, then begin serving (=basis of any human interaction), knowledge of sign language and deaf culture and interact with them. Deaf students do need a bit more of patience, and are considered as rapid, but sensitive learners. But the best when it comes to fair play!
 
Mr. Butindo's presentation - though focussed on soccer - is very suitable for any teacher or coach or manager. Some highlights:

• coaching is not just a job (to earn money), but a profession (you do it with your heart-requires commitment).
• get concerned when kids drop out of training - care, and respond, don't just let go.
• be committed:  plan, organize (don't just sit and wait), and make it enjoyable for the young ones - care for them, and supervise.
• vary training, make it fun, don't overemphasize winning/loosing.  
  

 
The 2nd day, we had a presentation from Dr Opoka on basics first aid / sport injuries. He focussed on what causes injuries, which injuries are most common in sports, how you can prevent them, and what to do if it happens. Especially the prevention-side was received very well. Schools mentioned that they did not had a first aid kit in the schools.

Throughout the workshop we've discussed about the challenges of the deaf youth, but also of deaf schools/units. Challenges mentioned:

• deaf children mostly left out unless a teacher/interpreter accompanies them to supervise;
• school staff not trained in sports
• deaf are not honoured in/accepted in competitions at national level. Several examples giving of young athletes ending as no. 1 or 2 but not allowed to go to the national competitions were given.
• lack of motivation amongst teachers
• DEO and inspectors of schools do not bother
• financial constrains / lack of equipment
• no specific attention or support is given to the Deaf.
  

Most issues are being addressed in the Deaf League activities.

A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between each school and Edgars Youth Program, clarifying everybody's roles and responsibilties during the D-League. Active participation of the schools is a condition for a successful completion of the project. It is expected that at least 600 children will benefit directly from the activities. After the games have ended, it is assumed that the schools are enabled to continue the soccer programmes which have been developed with assistance from EYP during this programme. 

All schools have been asked to produce a report on the activities. The workshop ended with the hand-over of the materials to the schools and EYP -Deaf Team. The participants where very, very grateful. The media was present (Monitor, UBC, WBS).