Interim Evaluation of International Inspiration
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Interim Evaluation of
International Inspiration
Executive Summary Produced by Ecorys for the
II Foundation (November 2012)
Jonathan France, Ecorys UK
Tel: 0207 423 5312
Email: jonathan.france@uk.ecorys.com
Sarah Jenkins, Ecorys UK
Tel: 0121 212 8846
Email: sarah.jenkins@uk.ecorys.com
www.uk.ecorys.com
All photos courtesy of the II Foundation
Interim Evaluation of International Inspiration About International Inspiration International Inspiration (II) was launched in 2007 and is the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games’ international sport legacy programme. The aim of II is to enrich the lives of 12 million children of all abilities in schools and communities in 20 countries through the power of high quality and inclusive physical education, sport and play. II is primarily funded through the II Foundation. UK Sport, the British Council and UNICEF are the lead delivery partners and they work with local in-country partners to deliver the programme across the 20 countries and the United Kingdom. The following map shows the countries where II is being delivered.” The programme operates at three different levels of intervention: • government and policy makers • delivery infrastructure, including schools, sports clubs and practitioners • children and young people - participants In January 2011, Ecorys, together with Elms Partnership, was commissioned by the II Foundation to undertake an evaluation of II. In November 2012, the interim evaluation report was produced, which was based on the validation of monitoring data and in-depth qualitative research across 14 countries. This report provides a summary of the interim findings. The final evaluation report will be produced in 2014.
Interim Evaluation of International Inspiration
Governments and Policy Makers
Context Prior to International Inspiration As a result, improvements to education or school sports policies and related legislation, followed by
improvements to curricula or teaching resources are the most common policies that II has influenced.
• The importance of sport was not sufficiently acknowledged or valued as a tool for development. These are followed by influences over sports policies and legislation, and coach educational resources.
• Some countries did not have an agreed policy on sport and others devoted much more of their Positively, the majority of improvements / new policies are now at the implementation stage.
attention to the development of elite sport.
• The importance of PE and sport as part of the educational curriculum was not always valued and
as a result, there was insufficient time allocated to PE and sport.
In Mozambique, II has led to the inclusion of additional and enhanced training provision in PE
• Responsibility and interest in PE and sport often cut across a number of national ministries and in
and sport within the Annual Financial Plan of the Ministry of Education and the Teacher Training
some countries, there was poor policy coordination.
Institutes’ curricula. The Task Force confirmed that a new PE Manual, which was developed with
• Many countries lacked sufficient knowledge about how to implement policy changes. UK Sport, represents a significant improvement over the previous format used by schools, with
more detail of methodologies and illustrations, and overall greater accessibility. This built upon
International Inspiration Key Achievements both TOP resources and an existing manual, which has helped to promote greater ownership
and sustainability.
As of August 2012, II had influenced 36 policies across 12 countries. This has already exceeded the
target for the lifetime of the programme, which was to influence 20 policies.
“
International Inspiration Outcomes
II has provided a new focus for partners with an interest in sport and the development of young people The agents in the landmark study into sport’s current position
to come together and work in partnership, either for the first time or on a more systematic basis. in the lives of children and young people in Jordan have
proven, yet again, the paramount importance in forging inter-
governmental partnerships with NGO’s and respected global
“
institutions.
International Inspiration has brought a greater diversity of HRH Prince Faisal Bin Al Hussein, Jordan
experiences and ideas to bear on school sports from different
partners and opportunities to learn.
National Task Force, Mozambique
A new PE and School Sports Policy in Nigeria to ensure provision of regular and systematic PE
and sport in all schools was drafted in 2011 by the Federal Ministry of Education and Ministry
of Sports, facilitated by UNICEF and with technical input from the Youth Sport Trust and British
Through advocacy work, conferences, research and the positive demonstration effects of activity, II Council. II has been a key influence through reciprocated visits between UK and Nigerian policy
has raised awareness of the importance of PE and sport for all and the role of sport in supporting makers (which highlighted gaps in national policy), the steering committee, a policy dialogue
the development of young people. In turn, this has begun to change attitudes among policy makers. event.
Interim Evaluation of International Inspiration
International Inspiration Legacy
II’s role in embedding changes to policy is expected to leave a legacy in the majority of countries.
Partnership working and demonstration effects have been a key factor in ensuring the sustainability
of key activities. However, one of the key barriers to the subsequent roll out of policy changes is the
availability of sufficient resources, in terms of human and financial capital. With this in mind, some of
the most successful aspects of II have been those that are aligned, and have added value to existing
initiatives. Alternatively, building the capacity of organisations that can continue to deliver II activities
once the programme has finished has also helped to ensure sustainability.
“
We need to win hearts and minds, and let people know that
sport is not a waste of time. The National Sports Committee
is playing a key role to show that sport and education go
hand in hand.
36
Federal Ministry of Education, Nigeria
In 2011, Sport for Development, an independent, not for profit organisation was established
in Azerbaijan. It has the principle aim of continuing the work of II by using the power of sport
for the holistic development of children and young people. The Chairman of this organisation
previously worked for UK Sport and led on their II activities in Azerbaijan and the two members
policies
of staff are TOP tutors, who were trained through the programme. The organisation has already
secured funding from the Ministry of Education and the World Bank to educate PE teachers
across all schools in three regions; one of the modules is TOP.
influenced
“ across
International Inspiration has been one of British Council’s
biggest and most successful projects to date in Brazil. It is
12
difficult now to step back, despite limited resources.
British Council, Brazil
countries
Interim Evaluation of International Inspiration
Delivery Infrastructure
Context Prior to International Inspiration Young leaders have used their new leadership skills to establish extra-curricular sports clubs and
festivals and to help teachers deliver PE lessons.
• PE and sport were not sufficiently valued by head teachers, teachers and parents.
• A lack of suitable teacher training courses for delivering PE and sport and schools lacked qualified
In Malaysia, 50 young people from the young sports leader (YSL) clubs at three II schools in
PE teachers.
Ranau were responsible for organising a running event. 288 young people from nine schools
• Insufficient provision of sports facilities, in terms of quantity and quality. took part in the run, which was followed by a prize ceremony. The young people organised and
• Poor accessibility to sports clubs. delivered all aspects of the event with minimal input from their teachers. Without II, the YSL
club would not have been established and the young people would not be organising events on
International Inspiration Key Achievements their own.
As of August 2012, 124,896 individuals across 20 countries have been trained through II. Of these,
28,530 were young leaders. This significantly exceeds the target to train 20,000 practitioners by the end II has shown teachers that sport can be fun, whilst at the same time supporting their teaching and the
of the programme. development of children and young people. This has helped to change attitudes amongst school head-
teachers and teachers in favour of providing more sport in school. The programme is also helping to
Other key achievements include: raise awareness of the value of PE and sport among community members.
• 564 schools across 19 countries plus the UK are now engaged in mutually beneficial relationships
“
(against an end of programme target of 600).
• 180 safe spaces created across five countries (against a programme target of 60). The tools inherited by International Inspiration have changed
• 44 national sports federations across 16 countries and ten different sports have developed new the vision of teachers, young people and parents – they now
strategies and/or reported new partnerships (against a programme target of 60).
see the importance of sport and PE and how it can support the
• 978 community based events have been delivered across seven countries (against a programme
target of 200).
wider development of young people.
• 14 advocacy campaigns have been delivered across nine countries (against an end of programme Sport for Development, Azerbaijan
target of 20).
Better equipment and improved spaces are supporting safe participation in PE, sport and play. In
International Inspiration Outcomes addition, II has provided an important catalyst for additional partnership working between schools,
II has enhanced skills and capacity among adult practitioners. The programme has introduced community organisations, sports clubs and sports federations. This has improved sports structures and
basic ideas and techniques to enable teachers and coaches to deliver PE and sport in a more structured helped increase community access to sport.
and appealing way, and which is fully inclusive (particularly of girls and disabled people). This has in
turn increased the confidence and motivation of practitioners, and encouraged greater creativity and
improvisation of methods (including the use of local materials). II is also helping to develop new training Schools in Karachi in Pakistan who are taking part in II have allocated time slots after school
standards for community sports coaches. when their sports facilities are available for use. Some schools also have their coaches on hand
to teach different sports as a way to reach out to groups of young people in their community, as
“
well as to partner schools that do not have adequate sports facilities or resources.
We were able to match the competencies we desire from
community coaches, to the way we educate them, which has II facilitated a relationship between the British Swimming Federation (BSF) and the Jordan
really enhanced the Trinidad and Tobago Volleyball Federation Swimming Federation (JSF). BSF supported JSF in developing a training programme. They
Level 1 coaching certification. adapted the BSF tools to use in Jordan in order to broaden their base, particularly in terms of
Trinidad and Tobago Volleyball Federation increasing female participation.
Interim Evaluation of International Inspiration
124,896 20
International Inspiration Legacy individuals across countries
There is a clear desire among practitioners to continue to implement II activities in the future, and there
is already evidence that some young leaders are delivering sports sessions through their YSL clubs have been trained through II
even in countries where II has finished. The integration of training for trainers and cascade training has
also been a very positive component and Ecorys evidence suggests that trainers and young leaders
are continuing to train more individuals. The sustainability of international school links has nonetheless
been found to differ on a school by school basis. One of the key challenges to sustaining II activities is
limited financial resources; however multi-sector partnerships and corporate fundraising can go some
way to addressing this. Longer-term sustainability is, however, also dependent upon buy-in and reform
at the level of national governments and policy makers.
“
TOP makes sport and PE more interesting, friendly, fun and
easy to set up. It also offers low-cost approaches to delivering
PE. For example, instead of using a ball in volleyball, young
people learn with a balloon – this also overcomes any fears of
getting hurt. We have also learnt how games can be adapted
to play indoors, for example we now play cricket indoors using
a bat made out of cardboard and a ball made out of paper.
Trinidad and Tobago Volleyball Federation
“
We’ve learnt the value of doing sports between lessons – it
refreshes the students.
School teacher, South Africa
Interim Evaluation of International Inspiration 180 safe spaces created in 5 countries
Interim Evaluation of International Inspiration
Children and Young People
Context Prior to International Inspiration One of the ways in which II has helped to increase participation in sport is through facilitating the
inclusion of more girls and children who are disabled. The sports festivals delivered by young
• Limited opportunities for participating in PE and sport. leaders have encouraged young people from the community to mix and play together. As a result,
• Gender inequality and discrimination and exclusion of disabled children and young people. relationships among different pupils and from different schools are also improving.
• Health challenges including disease, malnutrition and poor hygiene.
“
• Poor educational attendance and attainment.
• High unemployment, with many young people feeling disempowered and lacking the skills required
to gain employment. I have a friend – a fellow student – who is hearing impaired.
Before II came to our school, he had no interest whatsoever
International Inspiration Key Achievements in sports because he felt he couldn’t participate. The TOP
Ecorys has verified the estimate that, as of August 2012, at least 11 million children and young programme has helped get him involved. It has given him an
people have been engaged and reached through II. The target to engage and reach at least 12 equal chance to participate in sports and he is confident enough
million children and young people by 2014 has nearly been met and is expected to have been exceeded now to try new games including rugby and cricket.
by the end of the programme.
Young sports leader, Nigeria
International Inspiration Outcomes
Young sports leader clubs and the new opportunities to take part in exciting sporting activity are helping
II is helping to engage young people in improved and more frequent sporting and physical activity. The
to boost attendance at school, including among those who were previously disengaged. Increased
programme is helping to introduce new sports and is stimulating greater interest and enthusiasm for PE
participation in sport is also reported to be helping to improve educational attainment. For example it
and sport. In turn, this is supporting greater participation in PE and sport and providing an opportunity
is boosting the self-esteem of young people, which in turn is translating into benefits for other studies.
for those already engaged in sport to take part in higher quality sports sessions, which is a key factor
Involvement in II activities is also helping to alleviate boredom whilst in school, increase concentration
in sustainable participation. and cognitive abilities, and enhance creativity. In addition, the skills and techniques that II schools are
“
learning from their UK partners are helping to improve teaching methods in other subjects.
Sports have never been so exciting as they have today. II has directly assisted young sports leaders to develop a range of new life skills that can help them in
the future, as well as boosting their confidence.There is already evidence to suggest that these young
Young sports leader, Jordan people are feeling more empowered and as a result are applying their improved leadership skills and
enhanced sense of responsibility, to other areas of their lives. Involvement in II has also helped young
people to focus on goal setting and in many cases, enhanced their future aspirations.
Since young people are undertaking more exercise (in terms of both time and intensity), this is also
having a positive impact on their health and wellbeing.
“ “
I have gained many new skills throughout International Inspiration
Being involved in sport makes you less lazy, more excited and including patience, time management, listening, team work and
more interested in life. Before II, I was quite lazy but now I am communication.
much more active. Young sports leader, Pakistan
Young sports leader, Jordan
Interim Evaluation of International Inspiration
“
Being a young leader has been the main thing that has changed
me from being a shy person to being more open and to being a
leader…I am now ready to be a leader in any aspect of my life.
Young sports leader, Jordan
Finally, the partnership links with UK schools, plus opportunities for young people to visit the UK, have
helped young people to increase their cultural awareness. What is more, they plan to share these
experiences with their peers. II has demonstrated how sport can provide a common language among
individuals from different backgrounds.
“
I cannot wait to use my knowledge of other cultures within my
school and everyday.
Young sports leader, UK
At least
11
International Inspiration Legacy
It is still relatively early to assess the extent to which II will leave a positive legacy among children and
young people. However, if the improved provision of PE and sport can continue beyond the lifetime of
the programme, it would be reasonable to assume that children and young people who have gained a
greater interest in PE and sport are likely to continue to derive the benefits described above. Changing
attitudes, particularly in respect of the inclusion of girls and disabled people in sport, takes time but there
is already evidence that a shift is occurring in the places that have been targeted by the programme.
The evaluation has found that, as a minimum, many young sports leaders are now transferring the
MILLION
skills that they have developed to other areas of their lives, and feel strongly that the skills learned will
continue to benefit them (and their countries) in the future.
children and young
people have been
engaged and reached
through II
Interim Evaluation of International Inspiration
Conclusions
• International Inspiration represents an innovative and ambitious concept.
• The programme fits well with development theories focussed on the need to build institutional
capacity and civil society.
• The programme’s holistic approach that focuses on three levels (policy makers, practitioners and
participants) represents a positive and comprehensive model.
• The long-term vision and strategy are welcomed.
• Delivering positive outcomes consistently across a wide variety of countries and contexts is
challenging.
• The target to engage and reach 12 million children and young people was also ambitious.
• However, the programme has already exceeded many targets and is on track to meet or exceed
all of the targets (based upon in-country programme and post-programme legacy achievements).
• Building successful partnerships has been an important mechanism for ensuring national PE and
sport policy changes.
• The positive demonstration effects of activity have also helped to secure buy-in and wider
expansion of II activities and principles.
• There has been a very positive response to the introduction of basic ideas and techniques to
support practitioners in delivering PE and sport sessions. For the large part these have been
wholly additional in the countries involved.
• The integration of training of trainers and the cascading of training is helping to leave a lasting
legacy, alongside the capacity building of young leaders.
• One of the main risks with the programme’s strategy is the assumed link between participation
in sport and wider positive outcomes; however the programme has established a suitably wide
range of targeted and high quality activities to ensure that involvement in sport can impact on
these outcomes.
• It is still relatively early to fully assess the extent to which II will leave a legacy; however there is
already evidence of policies, practice and activities, and their associated benefits, being sustained
in II countries.
• Longer-term sustainability is dependent upon the availability of sufficient resources, plus buy-in
and reform at the level of national governments and policy makers.
.Interim Evaluation of
International Inspiration
Executive Summary Produced by Ecorys for the
II Foundation (November 2012)
Jonathan France, Ecorys UK
Tel: 0207 423 5312
Email: jonathan.france@uk.ecorys.com
Sarah Jenkins, Ecorys UK
Tel: 0121 212 8846
Email: sarah.jenkins@uk.ecorys.com
www.uk.ecorys.com
All photos courtesy of the II FoundationYou can also read
