The Healthy Active Kids South Africa Report Card (2018) has shown that many children do not achieve the minimum daily requirements of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. At present, schools in disadvantaged communities face many challenges in relation to the implementation of quality physical education. Goal 3 of the Siyaphakama Zwide Schools’ Project is to support physical education and sports programmes in schools by providing regular and developmentally appropriate physical education and physical activity to improve the physical and mental health of both children and teachers.
Increasing youth employment opportunities are linked to Goal 3: Ten sports coordinators were recruited from the local Zwide community to support teachers by incorporating daily physical education and extra-curricular sports programmes at the participating schools. Our KaziBantu team engaged with the newly recruited United Through Sport sports coordinators while they participated in the KaziKidz physical education training workshop. Regular training in physical education for teacher assistants and teachers should create a school environment that promotes healthy lifestyles that is accessible and affordable for all.
