AFD, NBA Africa organise training for teachers, coaches

The AGENCE Française de Développement (AFD) and NBA Africa, began a three-day training for Physical Education teachers and basketball coaches, on Tuesday, at the National Stadium, Lagos. The programme ends today.

The organisers of the programme explained that Jr. NBA and AFD Basketball Experience is part of the larger collaboration to support basketball infrastructure and youth development across the continent. The project builds on the inaugural Jr. NBA and AFD Basketball Experience launched in Zenata, Morocco in 2019.

The training is expected to equip 150 teachers and 20 coaches with necessary skills and knowledge to use the transformative power of the game of basketball to educate boys and girls participating in the Jr. NBA & AFD Basketball Experience about physical and mental wellbeing, life skills, healthy living, and more. NBA Academy Africa Associate Technical Director, Joe Tououmou, facilitated the basketball sessions.

The training is expected to build the teachers and coaches to explore the role of basketball in school sports curriculum, learn about various basketball and coaching methodologies, and discover best ways of identifying and nurturing basketball talent in the programme.

At the opening ceremony were the General Consul of France in Lagos, Mrs. Laurence Monmayrant; AFD Director Nigeria, Xavier Muron; NBA Academy Africa Associate Technical Director, Joe Touomou and Dream Sports Africa Country Director, Michael Anejo.

Speaking on the occasion, the AFD Director for Nigeria, Xavier Muron said: “AFD strongly supports initiatives, which use sports as a vector for education, social awareness and inclusion. We see the basketball experience programme as a way to achieve sustainable development goals.

“It empowers and builds the capacity of physical education teachers with basketball global practice, while promoting physical well-being, mental health, lifestyles and all necessary skills needed to impact the students to become future citizens.”

In her view, General Consul of France in Lagos, Monmayrant, who was overwhelmed by the response of the participants, said: “As the French Consul General in Lagos, I am particularly proud to see the work that has been done between the French Development Agency, the NBA and their local partner, Dream Sports Africa.

“The training is a tangible result of the announcement made by President Macron on his visit to Nigeria in 2018. France strongly believes in youth empowerment through sports and especially through basketball as it helps them acquire core values like respect, self-confidence, and solidarity. In doing so, we aim at having a positive impact on their wellbeing and their future.”

According to the Country Head of NBA Nigeria and NBA Africa VP, Gbemisola Abudu, they are thrilled to host the coaches and educators’ training in Lagos this week, as part of their longstanding collaboration with AFD to support basketball infrastructure and youth development. “We remain committed to using the game as a vehicle for youth empowerment in Nigeria and have a great teacher in Joe Touomou with us this week.

“Equipping more coaches and educators with the necessary skills to teach and train our boys and girls the right way is paramount, and we look forward to continuing to expand our footprint throughout this collaboration,” Abudu said.

In his submission, the Country Director of Dream Sport Africa, Michael Anejo, said: “We are committed to using the transformative power of the game of basketball for positive social change in Lagos secondary schools. This unique training experience for sports officers and physical education teachers will elevate the level of youth development through basketball in Nigeria.

“The trainees will be provided with necessary skills and knowledge to develop thousands of Nigerian boys and girls through basketball experience. The game is a great way to promote fitness and healthy living, but it also teaches valuable lessons in teamwork, discipline and communication. We are excited about the positive impact this training event will have on the participants, the schools and Lagos State in general.”