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The Sport4Empowerment (S4E) programme is designed to create new pathways for social inclusion through sport and physical activity, specifically targeting individuals at risk of social exclusion and poverty.
This initiative will foster innovative ideas and approaches to address social challenges, employing user-centred design thinking to drive creative problem-solving and enhance innovation. By leveraging sport and physical activity, the programme will engage and connect with marginalized communities through groundbreaking initiatives.
The ESF+ Social Inclusion Officer will oversee the implementation of the S4E programme, leading the pilot of various new, targeted, and innovative projects aimed at improving the wellbeing, education, and economic opportunities for participants.
Vision: A society that fosters social inclusion and empowers people to reach their full potential.
Mission: To develop and implement people-first programmes to improve lives, create meaningful opportunities and a sense of belonging through sport and physical activity.
Inclusion is at the heart of the programme, valuing people’s differences, whether it is diverse backgrounds, abilities, or circumstances. The programme aims to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and has a sense of belonging.
The programme aims to build strong partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders. Through collaboration, the programme will leverage expertise and resources to foster social inclusion and empowerment.
The programme will place a strong emphasis on innovation and creative problem-solving. By exploring new and imaginative approaches, the programme aims to drive positive social change and enhance the impact of sport and physical activity.
The programme will promote continuous learning and will create opportunities for participants to acquire new skills, knowledge and confidence through sport and physical activity.
Ethnic minorities: The programme will strive to promote inclusivity, and equal opportunities for ethnic minorities using sport and physical activity as a platform to foster inclusion, and address barriers. In an Irish context, Irish Travellers are recognised as an ethnic minority and will be a key target group for this programme.
Youth at risk: The programme aims to provide support, and opportunities for youth at risk to develop life skills, and positive engagement through sport and physical activity.
Persons with disabilities: The programme aims to create inclusive sport environments for persons with disabilities, improving their physical health, social connectivity, education, and employment prospects.
Persons from disadvantaged backgrounds: The programme will focus on empowering persons from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing sport-based activities, and skill-building opportunities to enhance their confidence and improve social connectivity, education, and employment prospects.
Each of these groups face unique challenges and experiences that are shaped by multiple intersecting identities and this programme recognises the compounding marginalising impact that can be experienced by people with intersecting identities – even beyond those in the target groups listed. Recognising the importance of intersectionality is fundamental to the programme’s success. The needs and lived experience of people from different religious backgrounds, the LGBTI+ community, people from different socioeconomic backgrounds, and others will be a key component of the programme.
For more information on the Sport 4 empowerment programme please contact our ESF+ Social Innovation in Sport Officer, Ryan Gaffney on rgaffney@cavancoco.ie or click on the following link: ESF+ Programme | Sport Ireland.