Researchers from the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington plan to use recreational sports, in the form of basketball, soccer and volleyball after-school programs, to help boys and girls in Ghana Africa avoid problems associated with substance abuse and sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV.
Funded with a two-year grant from the U.S. Department of State-Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs, the IU team will work with partners at the University of Cape Coast and local government officials in Apewosika Township, a rural area along the Gulf of Guinea, to train the coaches and sport personnel needed to conduct the after-school programs.
Dr. Sarah Young and Dr. Bill Ramos from the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Studies are teaming up with Cecilia Obeng, associate professor in the Department of Applied Health Science, and Debby Herbenick, co-director of the school's Center for Sexual Health Promotion, for the health and wellness component of YES-Ghana. Samuel Obeng, director of the African Studies Program at IU Bloomington, also is a key part of the IU team.
You're invited to follow them on social media as they start their journey!
- Facebook: facebook.com/yesghanasports
- Twitter: @yesghanasports
