Right to Play Program is a Fun First Step in Engaging Youth
Over the past two months, through USAID, CHF Azerbaijan has partnered with the Canadian organization Right to Play (RTP) to implement three trainings in the regions of Khacmaz, Qax and Zaqatala, in northern Azerbaijan. These events, held in the Community Development Activity (CDA) communities of Zardabi, Danaci and Kapanakci, encouraged youth to increase local recreational activity through games and sports, while also emphasizing the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and healthy behavior. During each day-long session participants experimented with a variety of educational games, engaged in conversations about leadership and youth development, and practiced facilitation techniques based on Right to Play's play models. At the end of the day, each youth representative received sport equipment in exchange for a commitment to involve members of their own communities in regular activities. In the weeks following the RTP training, CDA program staff has worked closely with the attendees to ensure that the benefit of their learning is shared with others.
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| Young Uchgun residents Idris Zeynalov, 14, and Leyla Ibrahimova, 7, enjoy learning new games with their neighbors |
The Uchgun community of Khacmaz region is one of the communities where regular activities involving youth are underway. Ibrahimova Gulnara has been a leader in these efforts, and acknowledges the importance of the RTP training to her work. Gulnara, a trained sports teacher, felt that the materials and practice sessions complemented her existing theoretical and practical experience, “This training helped me very much. It provided me with a strategic and practical approach to youth development whereas before I did not realize the importance of sport games in creating positive qualities and in forming personalities.” She has been pleased to observe local children initiating the RTP games that she has shared independently, an encouraging indication of their interest.
Children in Uchgun have also expressed enthusiasm for the program. “I go to these activities because I know there will always be an interesting new game. One of my favorites is 'Make Me Smile,” says Idris Zeynalov, 14. Younger children, such as Leyla Ibrahimova, 7, enjoy learning from the ‘big kids.’ “I like these games because there are older children there. They help little ones like me a lot,” she remarks.
In total, 37 youth were trained as games implementers. This recent partnership with Right to Play is one example of ongoing USAID efforts to increase youth participation on a local level. By creating opportunities for skill development and mobilization around a variety of ideas and activities, USAID and CHF hope to encourage youth to positively impact the development of their communities and society.
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