Baptiste Steinmetz and Alexandre Schmerber are STAMPS students (Sciences and technics of physical and spoil activities) and for their bachelor degree, they are setting up a humanitarian project in Mali (at the UVS International School).
They are young and not afraid of temperatures rising to 50°C (122°F) in the shadow during this time of the year. From April 8th to 18th, they will go to Sala, in Bamako area, to achieve their bachelor degree's project called “Sports and Health”.
They both are in their senior year at university and chose “adapted physical activities and health” as their minor. “We want to provide sporting sessions for disabled people, youth with social difficulties, in prison settings…” As a part of their studies, they worked for UVS International association which is based here and elsewhere, especially in Neuhof (in Strasbourg suburbs) and Mali.
The association wants to encourage sports activities in popular neighborhoods thanks to community actions.
Before looking for a job at the end of their studies, Alexandre and Baptiste will launch themselves into a huge adventure. “Sports should be used as a development tool and UVS International opened a school in Sala, near Bamaka, for children out of the education system. They will welcome 30 pupils, boys and girls, 12 or 13 years old, they explained. We will go to this school in order to restore the sporting facilities, a volleyball field and to launch orienting run activities.”
A 3,100€ budget
These future educators chose to focus on sporting activities not widespread in Mali. There are other things that football and basketball in life…
“Orienting runs are completely unknown in Mali, explained the students. It’s a discipline that can be done in various areas, that needs endurance, speed and a strategic thinking. A sport that teaches young people basic notions of geographical orientation, such as using a compass.”
They also chose to promote volleyball “because kids of the center never had the opportunity to see or play this game. It game puts forward the notion of non-violence, team spirit, warmth and skills, while allowing diversity.”
Considering the exceptional aspect of their project, they requested several financial partners’ support to balance their 3,100€ budget, their trip costing more than 1,800€. They will also bring sporting equipment with them such as balls, orienting course markers, compasses, school supplies kits…
Article from L’Alsace newspaper
Photos taken by Baptiste and Alexandre (To view full size, don’t hesitate to click on images below)
