Rugby as a System of Education
This project's parent organization is Rugby Supporters' Alliance (League)
It operates in Georgia
It uses Rugby Union
Entered the Sport For Social Inclusion Award
More about Rugby as a System of Education
The project “Rugby as a System of Education”, which is implemented since 2002, is targeting the most vulnerable, socially excluded groups of young people aged 10-18, in multi-ethnic remote regions in Georgia. Participants of the project are children from different ethnic communities and limited mental abilities. Samtskhe-Javakheti region of Georgia has remote location, poorly developed agrarian industry, high level of unemployment and minimal social support system in place.
The local community is divided between the ethnic Georgians and Armenians. They live in mono-ethnic groups and have limited interaction with each other, often accompanied with hostilities. In such fragile environment, young people are prone to conflicts, have limited opportunities to learn, fulfil their dreams, grow and develop. Rugby with its playing philosophy was chosen as an instrument that can trigger change in Samtskhe-Javakheti! In an uninhibited environment of sports and games, played together as one team, youngsters learn about friendship, mutual support and inclusion.
Common goals help them to break cultural stereotypes, overcome the barriers and approach challenges with open minds! Activities cover the following directions: Inclusion and empowerment of socially excluded groups (from ethnic communities; children with various disabilities); Promotion of healthy life-style; Support to conflict prevention mechanisms.