ספורט ככלי חינוכי ואמצעי לשינוי - ליאור חוג'ה (מרצה בקריה האקדמית אונו)

Introduction to Lior Huga

Background and Role

• Lior Huga introduces himself as a lecturer at Ono Academic College, teaching a course on violence and racism in sports.

• He also works with Hapoel Jerusalem, managing community social activities within the club.

• Additionally, he oversees the women's team as the head of the department.

Personal Journey in Sports

• For the past ten years, Lior has focused on promoting projects that use sports for education, bridging gaps, and integrating communities through football.

• He shares his personal story about his lifelong passion for football and how it shaped his identity.

The Impact of Football on Life Choices

Early Aspirations

• Lior recounts playing football throughout his life and dedicating himself entirely to it.

• He had an unspoken agreement with his parents: if he maintained decent grades, he could attend training sessions.

Career Development

• His dream was to become a professional football player; however, after achieving this goal at 22, an injury forced him to retire early.

• The pain from retirement stemmed not just from physical injury but from uncertainty about his future direction.

Transitioning from Player to Community Leader

Reflection During Recovery

• During recovery from surgery, Lior reflected on what he learned from sports regarding resilience and facing challenges.

• He aspired to use sports as a tool for helping children navigate similar challenges.

Establishing Community Programs

• Through fan groups like Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem (now Hapoel Jerusalem), he initiated community social activities in 2011–2012 when awareness of sports' educational role was limited.

The Power of Sports in Changing Lives

Discovering Potential

• Lior discovered how sports can change people's realities by connecting diverse populations and providing strong educational guidance.

Project Implementation

• They started projects in underprivileged neighborhoods in Jerusalem aimed at engaging participants from low socio-economic backgrounds through football.

Educational Values Through Sports

Core Philosophy

• Lior emphasizes that their primary focus is education through sport—teaching discipline, values, and acceptance of others.

• Recognizing that 98% of participants won't become professional players highlights their aim to foster better citizens rather than just athletes.

Providing Meaningful Engagement

Structured Activities

• The program fills children's days with structured activities counteracting sedentary lifestyles prevalent among youth today.

• They conduct multiple weekly sessions including fitness training and technical skills development alongside educational values.

Fostering Unity Through Sport

Diverse Participation

• Participants come together from various neighborhoods across Jerusalem—religious, secular, Jewish, Arab—to play football with shared goals.

• This simple act fosters equality among them while breaking down barriers between different communities.

Transformative Experiences

Building Relationships

• Children who initially hesitated to interact with peers from different backgrounds gradually form friendships through shared experiences in sport.

• Social media connections emerge as they bond over common interests developed during these interactions.

Life Skills Beyond Football

Transferable Lessons

• Participation teaches children punctuality and responsibility which translates into their academic lives positively impacting their overall behavior.

• Ongoing research shows direct correlations between participation in sports programs and improved educational outcomes among participants.

Practical Projects Overview

Neighborhood League Initiative

• One key project is the Neighborhood League where they collaborate with local elementary schools offering both sporting instruction and learning centers.

• Students participate twice weekly for one hour each session focusing on both football practice and educational support.

Inclusive Approach

Empowerment Focused Programming

• The initiative targets children needing empowerment rather than those already excelling; no prior experience or skill level is required for participation.

• Each school hosts both boys’ teams and girls’ teams ensuring equal opportunities regardless of gender preferences or societal norms surrounding athletics.

Democratic Engagement Through Sport

Monthly Tournaments

• Monthly tournaments allow all participating children to engage democratically by establishing rules collectively without referees present fostering dialogue among them about fairness principles .

• These events bring together diverse groups across neighborhoods creating unity amidst differences while emphasizing teamwork over competition .

The Impact of Sports Projects on Youth

Introduction to the Project

• The project involves monthly meetings for children from different backgrounds, fostering community and interaction.

• During summer months, children from Beit Hanina faced challenges due to lack of sports facilities in their area.

Overcoming Barriers Through Football

• Children expressed a desire to play football, leading them to seek out games every evening.

• They played at a field in Pisgat Ze'ev, which sparked curiosity about how these interactions were possible.

• Reports indicated that Arab and Jewish children played together harmoniously, challenging preconceived notions about inter-community relations.

Goals Beyond Sports

• The project's aim is not merely to improve football skills but to instill values of coexistence and mutual respect among participants.

• Emphasis is placed on teaching children that living together peacefully is achievable through respect for one another.

Long-term Projects for At-Risk Youth

• A new initiative has been running for ten years targeting at-risk youth in Kiryat Yearim.

• Initial skepticism from the youth center's director highlighted past failures in establishing sports groups.

Empowerment Through Structured Activities

• The focus remains on empowerment rather than just sports; football serves as a means to engage with the youth.

• Providing tools for personal growth academically and socially is prioritized over athletic performance.

Establishing a Framework for Success

• Ten years ago, many youths were at risk with low graduation rates; now they have structured sporting activities twice weekly.

• Investment was made in high-quality training equipment and professional coaching standards.

Accountability and Commitment

• Participation comes with responsibilities such as punctuality, respect towards peers, and commitment to training sessions.

• Initially met with resistance, participants gradually adapted to the clear expectations set by coaches.

Growth of the Program

• Currently operating three teams: two for boys aged 12–15 and one for girls aged 15–18 within Kiryat Yearim.

• Approximately 70 out of 120 youths are actively involved in the football program, indicating strong engagement levels.

Positive Outcomes Observed

• Increased enlistment rates into military service have been noted since the program's inception.

• Graduation rates have significantly improved within Kiryat Yearim compared to previous years.

Transformative Effects on Community Perception

• The village has undergone demographic changes attributed directly to the success of the football project.

• It has become more popular among families seeking positive environments for their children.

Correlation Between Excellence Programs

• Successful players have transitioned into professional youth departments due to their involvement in this initiative.

• This illustrates how excellence programs can reshape community dynamics positively.

Conclusion: Life-Changing Potential of Sports

• The project demonstrates how sports can be transformative tools that change lives and realities for young people.

• Participants express enthusiasm about being part of something meaningful that holds them accountable while enjoying what they love.

Integrating Individuals with Special Needs

Importance of Inclusion

• A new integrated program aims at combining individuals with special needs alongside those without.

• Previous models focused solely on segregated groups; this approach seeks genuine integration within communities.

Challenges Faced Initially

• Early attempts faced uncertainty regarding participation dynamics between volunteers and individuals with special needs.

Implementation of ICF Model

• Utilizing WHO’s ICF model helped create an inclusive sporting environment where all members feel valued equally on-field.

Success Stories Emerging

• Numerous life-changing stories highlight how participation has positively impacted individuals’ lives beyond just sport itself.

Personal Testimonies Highlighting Change

Individual Case Study

• A notable story involves Clayton who struggled with anxiety but found joy through joining a local football team after much encouragement from his parents.

Progress Over Time

• Despite initial struggles during practices, consistent support led him toward becoming an integral part of his team over six years later—now even mentoring others!

Building Consistency Among Participants

Regular Attendance Indicators

• Both groups show remarkable consistency attending practices regardless of weather conditions or other obstacles encountered along their journey together!

Expanding Opportunities Through Education

New Initiatives Launched

• Recently launched soccer schools cater specifically towards both typical students & those requiring additional support—fostering inclusivity further!

Research Underway

– . Ongoing research aims at demonstrating collective activity enhances functionality amongst diverse student populations—showcasing tangible benefits observed thus far!