Football Project 2009

In April of 2009, ACORN undertook a project in a group of underdeveloped villages using soccer coaching as a means of community development focused on children and youth.

The aim of the project was to train the local coaches in more advanced methods of developing soccer players and provide them with increased knowledge of correct, professional soccer techniques. As a long term solution, the project equipped the local coaches with the skills to continue providing opportunities in soccer for local children after ACORN’s conclusion of involvement.

The secondary aim was to challenge and develop the children in their morals and basic principles of life.  We sought to instill in them the attitudes necessary to lead successful and fruitful lives no matter what career path they choose.

As part of the project, 80-90 young people were daily bussed to and from a full-sized, well maintained soccer field approximately 30 minutes from the villages.

A team of four international volunteers came to serve as temporary coaches.

Overall the sports project was a success. There was a consistency in attendance by the participating youth, and the local coaches showed diligence in learning and taking initiative to organize the young people in the villages and on the field. Two local coaches, who were present everyday of the project, received certificates to re-teach the soccer clinic in the village. Also ACORN provided equipment for the continuation of sports development through the two certified local coaches.

“They are great kids, very receptive. It was a blast working with them. It was awesome to see the children applying what we taught them, seeing their improvement on the field and in their relationships with us and others.” - Volunteer Coach

“It was amazing to have the opportunity to partner with ACORN to provide these kids the chance to build their skills, and to assist in the teaching of the local coaches. The language barrier was frustrating at times, but overall the project was a good experience and a real success.” - Volunteer Coach

Report by Ashley Thorpe

English classes for physiotherapists

Many of us with English as our native language take English fluency for granted.  We don’t realize how beneficial this language is, not to just watch movies, but to further our education, knowledge and profession.

Our Kurdish physiotherapists desire to know English so as to talk with international visiting lecturers, to learn and research through world-class textbooks, workshops, and the Internet.  I initially began with approximately 50 physiotherapists from the Teaching Hospital, Adult Rehabilitation Centre, Burn and Plastic Center, and Children’s Rehabilitation Centre.

My most recent class was a 4-week Conversational Beginner Course held in May 2010, at the Children’s Rehabilitation Centre.  I had 6 students, all whom were women.  It was a delight to teach them.  I remember the first week, where they were too shy to say anything, then near the end, they felt confident enough to speak the best that they could.

This group of women was eager to learn and speak English.  What I enjoyed the most was being with them, getting to know them, and having fun as we all laughed our way through class; myself trying to communicate in Kurdish when they were not understanding, and them trying to communicate in Kurdish when no English words were coming to mind.

What I find really important in teaching English is to be sensitive and to always encourage.  Many of these students know much more than we would think, but fear stops many of them from speaking and engaging in conversation.  They are afraid of how they sound, if they will make a mistake, and they need more confidence.

In this city there are many gifted physiotherapists.  My goal is to encourage them in their profession as I teach so they will grow in their ability and know that what they do is incredibly valuable.

Report by Lizzy Hogg

Hip fracture project

Hip fractures are a growing problem worldwide as the population is living longer.  It’s somewhat common for hip fractures to occur when people get older (especially women) because things like osteoporosis can weaken bones.  However, after a fracture it’s much harder for people to get back on their feet and there are many complications as a result.

Sadly, there is a lack of evidence regarding hip fractures and their management in the Middle East, particularly in the war torn nation of Iraq.  Therefore, a small project was undertaken during the summer of 2010 to provide a detailed description of the current practice of hip fracture management in one orthopaedic department.  This will then be presented to the local doctors and followed up with a summary report to the Kurdish Regional Government with the aim of encouraging a positive change in practice.

Report by Clare Farrance