I traveled to Rwanda in the summer of 2017 with an organization called, Kids Play International. I was fortunate enough to travel with the group and participate with the cross-cultural exchange program for Olympic Day. It was an incredible experience to see the work done by Kids Play International first hand. I had been introduced to Tracy Evans Land a few years earlier by a mutual friend. I instantly became a supporter of her program using sport to promote gender equity. The trip to Rwanda provided an opportunity to have a true understanding of the program and the effect on the local community in Gatagara.
Tracy is amazing as she is a 3X Olympian, small business owner and founder of Kids Play International. She may be petite, but she is a powerhouse of a woman. It is no surprise that she chose to use sport to promote gender equity given her background. Olympians subscribe to a set of values which are an integral part of the curriculum for Let's Play Fair program.
It is difficult to properly describe the program, however I will attempt to do my best. Tracy worked with Lou Bergolz to develop a curriculum to achieve her vision. There are many activities specifically designed to illustrate the value of gender equality, teamwork and honesty. A soccer game is played with augmented rules. Players are designated as male or female, regardless of gender. Male players can run the field within the typical rules. Female players are restricted, they must stay in one place and can only kick the ball when it comes to their feet. Roles are reversed so everyone can experience the free play as well as restricted. Finally, a game is played with all players being equal. It is clear that the game is played most successfully when all players are equal. The value of treating women as equals is illustrated concisely in a manner appropriate for the children.
Both girls and boys participate in the program, which may seem off as this is meant to empower girls and promote gender equity. This where the teamwork aspect comes into the mix. Empowering women can only be successful with the male counterparts having a clear understanding of the challenges and benefits. We were able to meet with some of the parents whose children participated in the program. One mother shared the story of the change in her son after participating. She has a sone and three daughters. Two of her daughters participated in the program and she recognized their increased confidence. However, what was most notable was the change in her son's behavior. He began to participate in chores traditionally designated for the women in his family. He told his mother that the chores needed to be done and if they did they together, they would be completed faster. As a team, the household functions better.
Part of the program requires that the participants remain in school and maintain good grades. We visited the partner schools, had an opportunity to participate with the children in their classrooms and speak with the teachers. Moral Courage is one of the items taught by Kids Play International. This is especially hard for anyone, let alone children living in great poverty. The teachers appreciate the program as the Kids Play participants are looked onto as leaders by the other children. Instead of displaying bully-like behavior, these children pass on lessons learned in honesty. The children share rather than steal and celebrate the difficult challenges in behaving honorably by calling out their moral courage. Having students from the Kids Play program in their classes benefits the community as the children share their experience and pass along values learned through the program to other students.
While Kids Play International is focused on children, the program extends into the community. Tracy has found instances where a family could use a little extra help whether it is assistance in finding housing or healthcare. Our group participated in building a home for a local widow as part of Umuganda, a local day of community service.
I likely would not have traveled to Rwanda if not for Kids Play International. It is a beautiful country and one of the most interesting places I have visited. Traveling for a purpose is a highly rewarding experience. I would strongly encourage anyone to look at this as an option for the typical vacation.