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The Bhutan Football Federation (BFF)’s second edition of its #bridgingthegap programme has proved as meaningful and successful as its first in using football as a catalyst for change to reach disadvantaged youth in remote schools.
Supported by the AFC Dream Asia Foundation (ADAF), #bridgingthegap emphasises integration, education and overall development to transform the lives of the children.
It also aims to highlight challenges faced by students with limited access to crucial resources such as transportation, and help them improve both their football and communications skills in a safe, conducive and fun environment.
Held in the capital Thimphu, the five-day programme targeted 140 primary school students, both boys and girls, from five of the country’s most remote schools – Merak and Sakten in Tashigang, Tsamang in Monger, Rangtse in Haa and Sengdhyen Lower Secondary in Samtse.
With further support from UNICEF Bhutan and the country’s Department of Education, this second edition of #bridgingthegap included presentations by a UNICEF specialist and BFF Child Safeguarding Officer on critical issues such as violence against children, safeguarding and harassment in football. School escort teachers were also trained to be focal points for child safeguarding.
Other activities included a one-day coaching camp by national team coaches and senior players, grassroots skill tests, a tournament, an art competition and a 10-minute drama presentation from each school based on safeguarding issues such as bullying and sexual, physical and emotional abuse.
The programme’s opening ceremony was officiated by BFF president Dasho Ugen Tsechup and prior to commencing, the BFF presented training equipment to the five schools and conducted familiarisation sessions to better understand the overall environment.
