Ana Elisa Caron, project analyst of the Institute Share, visit one of the YMCA headquarters and has the opportunity to follow basketball classes in adapted blocks.

"That was my first week in direct contact with the different offices of the YMCA (YMCA - YMCA, in Portuguese). I visited two of them, the Rancho Family and Mission Valley.

After these last seven days, I can say that I understand better how the alloys of YMCA. There are approximately ten sessions of lessons and games of different types and with children of various age groups. Classes are held during the week and games on Saturdays. The rules and the field size or height basketball hoop, for example, are adapted according to the age of the children - a bit like what the Institute Share makes a volleyball net. But what is striking is the involvement of the family, coming to the games on Saturdays and participates very, strengthening the relationship between parents and children.

In addition to knowing more about the leagues also met PLAY (Physical Learning Activities for Youth), which takes place in schools near the YMCA. The objective of this program is to teach basic motor skills for students who do not have physical education class. In addition, I met more details PRYDE (Prevention, Recreation, Youth, Diversity and Education) and the Prime Time, both afterschool programs.

I could talk with the heads of these programs and found that concern about teacher training, and how to keep them motivated students, it is very similar to the Institute Share.

To end the week, on Saturday night I went to a poker tournament, organized by YMCA Mission Valley to raise funds. It is very interesting to see community engagement in this type of question.

The week was pretty full, and the next promises to be even more. "

* Ana Elisa Caron is project analyst of the Institute Share and participates in the Sport program for the Community in the United States. The action of the US government in partnership with the NGO Partners of the Americas enables leaders to actions that benefit society. To learn more, click here .