FAME Foundation, in collaboration with Laureus Sports for Good, organized a comprehensive two-day Train the Trainers Workshop on February 20-21, 2025. The workshop aimed to equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and skills necessary to successfully implement the Play It Dream It Project 2025. This initiative is part of the broader mission to empower children and create inclusive spaces where they can thrive through sports. The event brought together a diverse group of coaches, staff, and volunteers from different regions, all eager to learn how they could make a positive impact in their communities.

The event kicked off with the registration of participants, followed by a detailed introduction from the Program Manager, Inyene Idiong, who provided an overview of FAME Foundation’s mission, vision, and the Play It Dream It Initiative. In her address, Ms. Idiong emphasized the importance of the Train the Trainers program, noting its critical role in preparing trainers to create positive, nurturing spaces where children can thrive through sports. She highlighted the foundational aim of the program: to ensure trainers can foster environments that encourage every child to participate, enjoy, and grow in sports.

Coach Ilerika Haruna Usman led the first session of the workshop, focusing on the creation of inclusive, fun, and safe sports environments for children. His presentation stressed that every child, regardless of their background or ability, should be able to fully participate in sports. Coach Ilerika shared practical techniques for fostering inclusivity in sports, such as modifying communication approaches, adjusting activities, and creating a welcoming atmosphere. He also provided useful injury prevention tips, ensuring that trainers could maintain the safety of children during physical activities. His session underscored the importance of well-trained staff and volunteers, emphasizing that they are key to providing the support necessary for children’s success in sports.

Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, Executive Director of FAME Foundation, conducted a thought-provoking session on the Child Rights Act. She highlighted the essential rights of children, such as the right to education, healthcare, protection from violence, and access to a safe and supportive environment. Arabinrin Atoyebi explained how these rights are crucial for a child’s development and well-being, and emphasized the role that governments, communities, and individuals must play in ensuring that these rights are respected and upheld. She also addressed the challenges that exist in enforcing these rights, such as societal and systemic barriers, and shared effective strategies for overcoming these obstacles.

The workshop also featured an important session led by Ms. Dinah Abohwo on child protection and safeguarding. Ms. Abohwo provided a comprehensive overview of FAME Foundation’s Child Safeguarding Policy, stressing its importance in ensuring children are safe, respected, and protected in all environments. Using real-life scenarios, she demonstrated how to implement the policy effectively and explained its key principles, such as creating a safe environment, responding to reports of harm, and promoting children’s overall well-being. She emphasized that safeguarding is a collective responsibility, requiring the cooperation of families, communities, and organizations to create environments where children can thrive without fear.

On the second day of the workshop, Ms. Folake Oyebade led a session on First Aid techniques. She taught participants essential first aid skills, such as how to administer first aid and use a first aid kit, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for medical emergencies. Ms. Oyebade also provided a practical demonstration of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), allowing participants to engage hands-on with these vital life-saving techniques. Her session encouraged active participation, with attendees practicing first aid techniques and asking scenario-based questions that helped solidify their learning.

The second day also featured an energetic and interactive sports activity session led by Coach Ilerika Haruna Usman. The session began with a warm-up to prepare the participants for the various games and exercises that followed. Coach Ilerika led participants through a series of sports activities, helping them develop new skills and techniques. The session culminated in an exciting short football match, where participants put their newly learned skills into practice. Throughout the session, participants actively engaged with the content, gaining valuable experience in facilitating structured, enjoyable physical activities. The session was designed to reinforce the importance of sports and play in the success of the Play It Dream It Project, emphasizing how physical activities can be used as tools for teaching essential life skills.

The workshop concluded with a certificate ceremony, where participants were recognized for their dedication and successful completion of the program. The two-day experience left attendees with a wealth of knowledge, hands-on experience, and a renewed sense of commitment to their roles as trainers. The program covered a wide range of topics, including CPR, child safeguarding, bleeding control, choking rescue, and effective physical training methods. Participants left the workshop feeling confident in their ability to create safe, inclusive, and supportive environments for children through sports.

The 2025 Train the Trainers Workshop was a resounding success, with participants gaining valuable insights and skills that will enable them to better support the children they work with, ensuring a brighter and more inclusive future for all involved in the Play It Dream It Project.