Guyanese Teachers Trained in Child Safety Ahead of Girls' Football League

Nine school teachers from various secondary schools across Guyana recently completed a three-day FIFA Football for School (F4S) workshop on child safeguarding. The training, which took place from April 25-27 at the Guyana Football Federation's National Training Centre in Providence, aimed to prepare the teachers for the upcoming Blue Water Shipping National Girls Under-15 Football Development League set to kick off on May 4.

The nine teachers who successfully completed the training are Saskia David, Janacy Johnson, Thon Barnwell, Riaz Rupnarain, Christopher Gaskin, Tinesha Trotman, Akiliah Butcher, Anandi Blair, and Gailan Barnwell. Led by Orin Francois, the GFF's Senior Child Welfare and Protection Officer, the workshop focused on equipping the teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure a safe environment for the young athletes participating in the league.

The F4S program, which aligns with FIFA's Guardians initiative, aims to promote sports as a means to develop vital life skills in children. GFF President Wayne Forde emphasized the federation's commitment to child safety, stating,"The GFF is committed to providing a safe environment for children in football. "F4S Coordinator Towanda McCalmonhighlighted the transformative potential of football in imparting life skills and creating a secure atmosphere for young players.

The GFF Child Safeguard Policy, launched in 2022 with support from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture, highlights the importance of protecting children in sports. The upcoming Blue Water Shipping National Girls Under-15 Football Development League will see over 1,000 student-athletes from 60 public schools across Guyana participating, with more than 50 schools represented.

During the workshop, facilitator Orin Francois noted, "Teachers pay close attention during the GFF FIFA F4S Child Safeguarding Workshop," highlighting the educators' dedication to creating a secure environment for their students. The successful completion of the child safeguarding training by the nine Guyanese school teachers marks a significant step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of the young girls who will be participating in thefootball league.

The Blue Water Shipping National Girls Under-15 Football Development League promises to be an exciting opportunity for young female athletes to showcase their skills and develop their talents in a safe and supportive environment. With the trained teachers at the helm, parents and guardians can rest assured that their children's well-being will be a top priority throughout the league.

The child safeguarding training and the upcoming Girls Under-15 Football Development League demonstrate Guyana's commitment to creating a secure and nurturing environment for its young athletes. With support from FIFA and the dedication of local educators, Guyana is paving the way for a brighter future in sports, where children can thrive both on and off thefield.

Key Takeaways

• Nine Guyanese school teachers completed a 3-day FIFA F4S child safeguarding workshop.
• The training aimed to prepare teachers for the upcoming Girls Under-15 Football Development League.
• The workshop focused on creating a safe environment for young athletes participating in the league.
• The GFF Child Safeguard Policy prioritizes protecting children in sports, launched in 2022.
• Over 1,000 student-athletes from 60 public schools will participate in the Girls Under-15 Football League.