Latest news with #WIDP
Kuwait Times
26-05-2025
- Health
- Kuwait Times
Forum urges inclusion of hearing-impaired in line with vision 2035
Women's Institute for Development and Peace (WIDP) organizes the fifth edition of the Kuwait Deaf Day Forum under the theme 'The Cry of the Deaf and Kuwait Vision 2035'. KUWAIT: The Women's Institute for Development and Peace (WIDP) organized the fifth edition of the Kuwait Deaf Day Forum under the theme 'The Cry of the Deaf and Kuwait Vision 2035,' highlighting the importance of empowering individuals with hearing disabilities and enhancing their integration into all sectors of society. Held on May 8 under the patronage and attendance of Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei, the forum took place at the Arab Center for Educational Research for the Gulf States. The event resulted in a set of comprehensive recommendations aimed at upholding the rights of the hearing-impaired in education, healthcare, and employment. WIDP President Kawthar Al-Jouan told KUNA on Sunday that the forum put forth general, sector-specific, and health-related recommendations designed to support the inclusion of the hearing-impaired and affirm their right to self-determination. Al-Jouan stressed the importance of expanding educational opportunities for the deaf community, including access to Kuwait University and the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET). She also called for the creation of employment pathways tailored to this capable and distinguished segment of society. The forum featured four dialogue sessions with the participation of experts, specialists, and policymakers from Kuwait and Bahrain. Key recommendations included the employment of hearing-impaired individuals, admission of deaf students into the College of Basic Education, official recognition of Kuwaiti Sign Language as a second language, and revising school hours to align with public education needs. Additional proposals focused on utilizing retired teachers within the Special Education Department and appointing qualified sign language interpreters, with calls to provide financial rewards for their services. On the healthcare front, recommendations emphasized the importance of early detection of hearing loss, proper use of hearing aids, and granting individuals the right to seek medical treatment abroad when local options are unavailable. Al-Jouan concluded the forum by honoring participants from the Ministry of Education, the Educational Research Center for the Gulf States, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs' Committee for Promoting Moderation, the Dean of the College of Education at Kuwait University, and the Director of the Special Education Schools Department, in recognition of their contributions to the forum's success. — KUNA
CAF
10-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
CAF Women Instructors Development Program Concludes Successfully in Addis Ababa
The CAF Women's Football Department is proud to announce the successful conclusion of the CAF Women Instructors Development Program (WIDP), culminating in a dynamic in-person workshop held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The in-person phase, which took place from May 5 to 9, 2025, marked the final chapter of a groundbreaking initiative designed to enhance the quality and impact of women football coaching education across the continent. The program officially launched online on March 5, 2025, offering four weeks of virtual training in leadership, communication, coaching pedagogy, and practical knowledge delivery. The innovative hybrid format enabled participants to gain cutting-edge instructional and leadership skills while continuing with their daily professional duties. A total of 24 participants from 19 African Football Associations took part in the program, reflecting CAF's strong commitment to building capacity and promoting gender equity within football structures across the continent. During the in-person training, participants engaged in intensive practical demonstrations, group discussions, and assessments, solidifying their competencies as future leaders and facilitators in their respective Member Associations. The workshop also served as a platform to foster collaboration, exchange best practices, and reinforce CAF's strategic efforts to empower women across all facets of the game. Sherly Botes, Head Coach of the Ugandan Women's National Team, shared her appreciation: "Firstly, thank you to CAF for hosting the CAF Women Instructors Development Course in Addis Ababa. The aim of the course was to equip and empower women instructors on the continent. It has been an amazing experience for all of us, and we are so grateful to CAF for this opportunity. The course focused on various aspects, namely 'Technology in Football,' 'Match Analysis,' 'Football Philosophy,' 'Football Periodization,' and 'Scouting & Selection Criteria,' just to mention a few. Our aim is to share the knowledge and experiences gained at this course within our federations in order to represent CAF and our FAs at the highest level." Tomety Kai, Head Coach of Togo's Women's National Team, also noted: "L'atelier de formation organisé par la CAF dans le cadre de son Programme de Développement des Instructrices a été une expérience extrêmement enrichissante, tant sur le plan professionnel que personnel pour ma personne. [...] Je repars de cette formation mieux outillée, inspirée et déterminée à transmettre ce que j'ai appris, afin de contribuer activement à la formation de la prochaine génération d'actrices du football féminin africain." Bernadette Anong, participant from Cameroon, reflected deeply on her journey: "Ce programme a été très enrichissant pour nous et pour le football féminin africain. J'ai acquis des connaissances sur la communication, la gestion d'un groupe féminin, la pédagogie dans l'entraînement, et bien plus. Ces cinq jours ont renforcé mes capacités pratiques, notamment sur la façon de présenter un thème, d'évaluer un éducateur avec respect, et de captiver un auditoire. Aujourd'hui, je suis reconnaissante car la CAF nous a encore une fois équipées pour le développement et le bonheur futur du football féminin africain. Un plus nous a été donné, un défi nous reste à gagner afin de réduire la distance entre le football féminin africain et celui occidental — et pourquoi pas prendre la barre de commande." During the closing ceremony, Mr. Bahiru Tilahun, General Secretary of the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF), expressed his gratitude: "We are deeply honored that CAF chose Ethiopia to host this important program. It not only demonstrates CAF's trust in our country's capacity but also serves as a huge source of inspiration for our female coaches. This initiative will motivate many more to strive for excellence and become part of the new generation of leaders in African women's football." CAF Head of Women's Football concluded: "This program is a major step forward in building a network of highly competent women coach educators across Africa. We are proud of the achievements of each participant and are confident they will play a critical role in shaping the future of women's football development within their associations." CAF extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Ethiopian Football Federation for its outstanding support and hospitality in hosting the workshop, as well as to the expert instructors, interpreters, and all contributors who ensured the success of the program. #EmpoweringOurGame #CAFWomenInstructors #WIDP2025
CAF
27-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
A New Approach to Coach Training: The Art of Communicating to Teach Better
Published: Thursday, 27 March 2025 As part of the second phase of the CAF Women Instructors Development Program (WIDP) a seminar on sports communication was led by Andy Cale, an English sports psychologist and former football coach. A paradigm shift in Coach Training During this workshop, Cale highlighted an innovative approach to coach training, emphasizing a fundamental shift: less focus on content and more on delivery. The goal is to create learning environments where future coaches can ask questions, interact with their trainers, and deepen their understanding. He pointed out that this transition was not easy, particularly for coaches from the older generation who struggled to adapt to these new methods. However, those who have been able to evolve recognized the importance of changing teaching methods so that the information could be better absorbed by players. The Importance of the Learning Environment Cale explained that the quality of the learning environment plays a key role in how knowledge is received and absorbed. The goal is to make training sessions more interactive and engaging, creating conditions where coaches feel comfortable expressing their ideas and asking questions. The preliminary exercises requested before the workshop were designed to get participants to reflect on their learning and communication styles. Although some aspects of these exercises were not fully addressed during the session, they remain valuable reference points for personal reflection later on. Effective communication for coaching Another key point of the workshop was communication skills. Cale emphasized the importance of tailoring one's message based on the target audience: leaders, club owners, players, or coaching staff. Each group has different expectations, so it is essential to adjust one's approach accordingly. In an international context, where values and communication preferences may vary, accepting cultural differences is crucial. Cale illustrated these principles by referencing excerpts from two books he recommends: Psychology for Football and Momentum in Soccer . The latter, which includes chapters on communication, was offered to the participants in digital format. Being Yourself While Improving A central message of the workshop was reminding coaches of the importance of staying true to their personal style. Cale acknowledged that the participants were already good communicators and well-respected in their field. The goal was not to change them, but to provide them with tools to refine their way of delivering information. He encouraged participants to reflect on their own communication styles and consider adjustments based on the audience and context. A coach speaking to children cannot use the same language as when addressing adults. Likewise, the expectations of associations and clubs can influence how a message should be communicated. Adapting language to the audience Cale also emphasized the importance of knowing who you are addressing. Is it a player? A club owner? An assistant coach? Each audience requires a different approach and the ability to adapt to make communication more effective. As an exercise, he asked participants to reflect on the various aspects of effective communication. This introspection aimed to help each person identify their strengths and areas for improvement. Several participants shared the impact of these exercises on their perception of knowledge transmission. The importance of communication and understanding the expectations of one's audience are key elements that every coach must integrate to optimize their teaching and make it more effective. This workshop thus provided a valuable experience for all participants, encouraging them to continue reflecting on their own practices and to consider positive changes in their way of teaching and communicating.
CAF
07-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
CAF WIDP: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Women's Football
The opening of the CAF Women Instructors Development Program (WIDP) seminar on Tuesday, 04 February brought together football professionals to discuss the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in football, with a particular focus on its use in management and leadership. This enriching session was led by Jules McGeever, Marketing Manager at Celtic FC, and overseen by CAF's Head of Women's Football, Ms Meskerem Tadesse Goshime. The highlighted the intersections between emerging technologies and leadership development in football. The CAF Women Instructors Development Program is another innovative addition to CAF's Women's Football Development strategy and will run in different modules between March and May 2025. The Role of AI in Influencing Leaders The seminar addressed key themes, including the essential role of leadership, the adaptation of management styles, and the importance of communication. McGeever emphasized that a leader should inspire through influence rather than authority, and that AI can play a crucial role in analysing behaviours and providing precise feedback on leadership practices. 'AI allows us to extract essential data on human behaviours, which helps us better understand how leaders can influence and motivate their teams more effectively,' McGeever stated. The goal is to strengthen the discipline and responsiveness of leaders when facing complex, situations. The Adaptability of Leadership Styles in a Sports Environment The adaptability of leadership styles was also discussed, particularly in the sports context where team dynamics are constantly evolving. AI could assist in refining coaches' decisions based on players' performances and interactions. McGeever compared this approach to running a marathon, where discipline and perseverance are crucial for long-term success. The Importance of Self-Confidence for Female Leaders Another important aspect of the seminar was the significance of self-confidence for female leaders. In a field where women are still underrepresented, AI could play a supportive role by enabling leaders to better understand the perceptions of their communication, particularly their body language and tone of voice, to enhance their authority without adopting an overly authoritative approach. 'AI allows us to detect details invisible to the naked eye, such as micro-expressions and tone of voice, which is essential for strengthening the presence and communication of female leaders,' McGeever added. The Challenges of Integrating AI into Sports The challenges of integrating AI into sports were also discussed, emphasizing the need for human understanding behind the data. AI should not replace human interpretation and management of teams but rather complement them. The ethics of using data and respecting players' privacy remain important for the successful integration of AI into sports management. AI for Delegation and Stress Management in Leadership The seminar also highlighted the importance of delegation and stress management in leadership. Jules McGeever stressed that a true leader must know when to delegate tasks and how to maintain an overview. AI could assist leaders in delegating more effectively by analysing the skills and weaknesses of team members. In terms of stress management, AI can provide real-time assessments of emotional states, enabling informed decisions to keep a team calm and resilient. AI, a Valuable Tool for Female Leaders in Football This is the first step of a three-month program, with the next module focused on communication, scheduled for 18 March 2025. Instructors will participate in both online and in-person sessions, with a final evaluation taking place in Addis Ababa in May 2025. This program is part of a larger effort to promote women in football leadership and encourage them to take key roles in the management and coaching of football in Africa. AI could be a valuable tool in this initiative, supporting leaders in optimizing their impact, improving their management and building strong relationships within their teams.
CAF
06-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
CAF launches groundbreaking program to strengthen women's role in African Football coaching
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to the development of women's football by launching the Women Instructors Development Program (WIDP). This initiative, set to begin in March 2025, coinciding with International Women's Rights Month, aims to enhance the skills and expertise of women involved in coaching education and training across Africa. A Structured and Inclusive Program Spanning three months, the WIDP will combine online modules with an in-person training session, ensuring flexibility for participants who are already engaged in professional football roles. The program's schedule is as follows: March 4 - 5, 2025: Module 1 – Leadership Module 1 – March 18 - 19, 2025: Module 2 – Communication Module 2 – March 25 - 26, 2025: Module 3 – Coaching Pedagogy Module 3 – April 8 - 9, 2025: Module 4 – Practical Knowledge Module 4 – May 5 - 9, 2025: In-person training and assessment (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) Beyond the structured training, participants will benefit from mentorship programs, ensuring ongoing support even after the course concludes. A Strong Commitment to Women's Inclusion in Football The WIDP will feature 29 participants from 22 CAF member associations, including national team coaches and key figures from the CAF Women's Champions League. Notable participants include: Sheryl Botes – Uganda Women's National Team Head Coach – Uganda Women's National Team Head Coach Lamia Boumehdi – TP Mazembe Head Coach and 2024 CAF Women's Champions League Winner – TP Mazembe Head Coach and Selam Zeray – Liberia Women's National Team Head Coach Additionally, renowned experts such as Touré Clémentine (Ivory Coast) and Jaqueline Shipanga (Namibia), both CAF Technical Committee members, will contribute their expertise, alongside specialists from UEFA and other international confederations. CAF's Head of Women's Football, Meskerem Goshime, emphasized the significance of this initiative: "This program is a crucial step in ensuring that women play a central role in the future of African football, both on and off the pitch. It reflects CAF's commitment to providing women with increased opportunities in leadership, education, and mentorship." Véron Mosengo-Omba: "Changing the Perception of Women's Football" CAF Secretary General, Véron Mosengo-Omba, underscored the need for a shift in how women's football coaching is perceived: "One of the priorities of CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe since his election has been to develop and promote women's football. We launched the CAF Women's Champions League in 2021, and today, we continue this momentum with initiatives like the WIDP. "The image I want to change is that of women's teams being coached only by men. That is not right. We need to encourage more women to take on leadership roles in football coaching and technical management." The WIDP is part of CAF's broader strategy to reduce gender inequalities in African football, equipping women with the necessary tools to shape the future of the sport on the continent. The involvement of UEFA and FIFA in this initiative highlights its global significance. A Transformative Message for African Football Through the Women Instructors Development Program, CAF sends a strong message that African football must leverage all its talent, regardless of gender, to reach its full potential. By investing in the development of women coaches and instructors, CAF aims to create a more inclusive, competitive, and dynamic football environment across the continent.
