GOALS (Generating Opportunities and Learning Through Sport)

More about GOALS (Generating Opportunities and Learning Through Sport)

GOALS has engaged a hard to reach and high risk group of young men in challenging activities which they have found relevant and which have resulted in significant improvements. Issues surrounding armed groups in the community threatening members of the programme with brutal punishments were demoralising to the young men who often feel there is no point in trying to change their behaviour as their reputation is set in the minds of the community, plus universal challenges; personal identity, sense of belonging and a purpose for their lives.

This can lead to individual responses such as suicide and a more organised gang structure as a protection against the armed groups. Mentoring and support provided by workers combined with sporting and vocational activities proved effective in providing the young men with structure and purpose in their lives. Through them the group developed confidence and the motivation to seek employment.Participants described how the activities helped to alleviate anxieties, promote a clearer head and promote positive images of masculinity around fitness and physique. GOALS helps participants construct a positive sense of self and to envision a hopeful future.