The Judo Global Association of Sao Tomé and Prîncipe has successfully completed the training of PE teachers as part of the ‘Judo in Schools - Promoting Gender Equality Through Sport’ project. This innovative initiative aims to introduce judo into schools and promote gender equality through sports practice.

Supported by the International Judo Federation, the Portuguese Co-operation, and the regional government of Prîncipe, the training took place from 23rd to 27th September 2024. Over the course of five intensive sessions, each lasting three hours, the teachers were trained to implement a judo curriculum with five introductory lessons designed for the school environment.

The primary goal of this training was to equip teachers to safely and effectively teach judo in a fun and inclusive way, emphasising the fundamental values of the sport, such as respect, discipline and personal growth. The judo curriculum, which served as the foundation for the training, covered the history and philosophy of judo, as well as basic techniques adapted for school-age children.

All PE teachers in the Autonomous Region of Prîncipe participated in the training, ensuring that schools with students aged 12 to 18 will have access to this new sporting discipline. This pioneering initiative aims to strengthen school sports programmes and create inclusive opportunities for development, regardless of gender.

The Judo in Schools project, strongly supported by the IJF Children’s Commission, represents a significant step forward in the development of both sport and education in the region, contributing to the promotion of a more equitable and inclusive society through sports.

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