Category Archives: Community Development

September 29, 2016 · 11:10 am

Celebrating a Decade of Common Good Days

As a Bowdoin alum living in the Boston area I have enjoyed participating in the Common Good Days organized by the College. In 2016, the Bowdoin College Common Good Day in Boston was held at Pine Street Inn, a homeless shelter for men. Over the years, the College has selected different nonprofits across the country to perform a day of service. This year’s event saw almost 500 alumni, faculty, staff and friends participated in Common Good Days with various nonprofits in different cities. In Boston, there were 12 alumni and friends stationed in the Pine Street Inn kitchen to assist the staff with basic meal preparation.

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Bowdoin Alumni and Friends at 2016 Bowdoin College Common Good Day at Pine Street Inn, Boston, MA. Photo credit: Pine Street Inn Staff.

Alumni from a wide range of years, professional backgrounds and communities enthusiastically cooperated with the Pine Street Inn staff in helping to cut tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and chicken to make sandwiches for residents. Pine Street staff were generous with their time and guidance to offer a personalized tour of the facility to see how the shelter fulfills its mission. We shared stories of our Bowdoin years, previous volunteer experiences and current professional roles. Though we had never met before our common links through Bowdoin allowed us to focus on the task at hand while seeking a greater understanding of the significance of Common Good Day.

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Pine Street Inn Kitchen and Cafe. 2016 Photo credit: T. Mohammed

This marked for me a decade of participating in Common Good Days organized by the Bowdoin Club of Boston. Based on the conversations with fellow alumni at Pine Street Inn, the meaning of service varies from individual to individual. Being part of a group, working towards a common goal, helping to improve society all with a bit of fun – are some of the many reasons why people participate in such events. However, a humble suggestion for future Common Good Day planning could entail greater follow through and assessment of the impact of days of service events for long term sustainability of the organizations and individuals it aims to benefit.

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Filed under Capacity Buidling, Community Development, Education, Homelessness, Leadership, Networking, Philanthropy, Planning, Poverty, Psycho-Social Support, Rehabilitation, Stakeholder Engagement

September 22, 2016 · 5:39 pm

Archiving Sport: How Do Libraries Connect Sport for Development and Peace?

It is really amazing how much there is to learn from being in a library. There are numerous types of libraries across the country on college campuses, in almost every neighborhood as public libraries and then the elite Presidential libraries to identify a few. The Boston Public Library in Copley Square, a newly renovated library in the heart of Boston reaches out to its community in numerous ways.

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Squash Photos of Bostonions at the Boston Public Library’s Electronic Information Kiosk. Photo Credit: T.Mohammed.

On a recent visit to the newly renovated Boston Public Library in Copley Square, I came across a fascinating electronic information kiosks in the main entrance hall. At a touch screen information kiosk, there was an archive of photos of various subjects (including squash photos of Bostonians as seen above) from the City of Boston. If you click on the photo you can see the details.

This impressive kiosk with information retrieval and storage (at a cost to the taxpayers of Massachusetts) is a tremendous leap forward in understanding and connecting the sport for development and peace field to the general public. My suggestion for the many aspiring young professionals in the emerging field of sport for development and peace would be to examine the evolution of sport at your local library. You may be surprised what you find.

 

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Filed under Community Development, Education, Leadership, Literature Review, Networking, Planning, Private Public Partnerships, Professional Development, Public Policy, Squash, Stakeholder Engagement, Uncategorized

August 25, 2016 · 10:45 am

Coastal Cities and Towns: What role do they play in Promoting Boating for Recreation or Sport?

Since taking a break from coaching squash – an indoor winter sport in New England – I have had the opportunity to explore outdoor recreational and sporting activities this summer. Being on the water in the summertime can be very invigorating and many New Englanders are avid sailors, rowers and yachtsmen. Most of the coastal cities or towns in this area have some type of community boating program.

I was born in Dubai – a port city in the United Arab Emirates and have traveled through many coastal cities and towns over the years in New England and overseas. Some of these stops include Maine, Connecticut and Rhode Island in New England and Kochi, Kolkatta and Mumbai in India to name a few. One recent stop included New York City at Chelsea Piers (see below) where on the Hudson River New Yorkers and tourists could rent yachts, sailboats and windsurfers for recreational purposes.

Visit to Chelsea Piers, New York, summer 2016. Photo credit: unknown.

Visit to Chelsea Piers, New York, 2016. Photo credit: unknown.

Coastal cities and towns be they in New England or not play an important role in promoting tourism, leisure and economic development. Community boating programs are another means in which to foster community, share common experiences and develop new friendships. Coastal cities and towns also promote competitive water sports such as the Volvo Ocean Race or off-shore Powerboat Racing. Of course there are some within the sporting world who are purists and might question the athleticism required to partake in such activities.

Youth sport specialization and the desire to compete at the collegiate level places a considerable burden on families in terms of time, money and energy which can lead to a very narrow focus in their child’s education.  Perhaps specialization, limits a coach’s ability to see other perspectives, especially when trying to coach their own sport if they grew up with just one or two sports. Just as youth sport researchers and advocates urge parents not to let their children specialize in sport too early, I think the same could go for coaches in that they may benefit from coach observations and learning from other sports to improve their own coaching toolkit. In short, quality coaching is a mix of science and art that enables students to reach their full potential.

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Filed under Coaching, Community Development, Education, Leisure, Private Public Partnerships, Recreation, Stakeholder Engagement, Youth Sport

July 30, 2016 · 9:26 am

Sports Memorabilia: Is at an excessive love of sport?

If you happen to live in the Greater Boston and are looking for a way to inspire your son or daughter with a dose of Boston sports history, then request a museum pass from your local library. Thanks to the Memorial Hall Library Membership program (my local library) a free entry pass to The Sports Museum in Boston made it possible for a summer visit.

Museum Pass made available through Library Membership Program at Memorial Hall Library.

Museum Pass made available through Library Membership Program at Memorial Hall Library, Andover, Massachusetts.

The Sports Museum was a new discovery for me given that one has been traveling from country to country observing sport for development and peace practices. What I found unique about The Sports Museum was that it provided a greater awareness of the four major American sports – football, baseball, basketball and hockey – which were all highlighted in some way during the tour. Our young tour guide was very knowledgable and had lots of great stories about Boston sports personalities.

Highly values sports memorabilia in The Sports Museum, Boston, Massachusetts.

Sports memorabilia in The Sports Museum, Boston, Massachusetts from July, 2016 visit Photo credit: T. Mohammed.

Furthermore, since the professionalization and specialization of sports in the United States, there are dedicated “Hall of Fame” for sports such as tennis and squash (both in the New England area too). Such devotion and allocation of resources to sport does not typically happen in low-income countries since there are more pressing needs like water, sanitation, electricity, agricultural development and housing, for example. Is this excessive love of sport in high-income countries or should low-income countries also strive for such development?

This is an ongoing debate within international development circles on whether sport is a “cost-effective” social and economic development tool in low-income countries. The 2016 Olympics in Rio, has an opportunity to leave a positive legacy for Latin America and the rest of the world. The 2012 London Olympics’s International Inspiration certainly did for 12 million children in 20 low-income countries.

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Filed under Community Development, Corporate Social Responsibility, Education, Foreign Policy, International Development, Leadership, Leisure, Olympic, Paralympic, Planning, Poverty, Recreation, Stakeholder Engagement, Youth Development

July 25, 2016 · 4:20 pm

The Journey into Infinity

After a hiatus from playing squash, I chose to start again in the Adult Open of the Newport Steamer at St. George’s School in Rhode Island. The event was organized by Chris Smith, Head Squash Coach of St. Paul’s School and Pat Cosquer, Head Squash Coach of Bates College. Both Chris and Pat have produced championship teams under their tutelage over the years with various squash programs and organized numerous successful squash events.

What was unique about this tournament was that it was in a beautiful setting with options for both kids and adults to compete thereby a pleasant experience for all. Making the effort to drive to Newport, stay in a hotel and play multiple matches required effort on my part but it was worth it and fun to explore a new side of New England. Among the many sights and sounds, the image below resonated with me about the infinite journey we are all on through space and time, both in the real world and the life-thereafter.

Artwork by St. George's students titled "The Journey."

Artwork by St. George’s School students in Newport, Rhode Island, USA titled “The Journey.” Photo credit: T. Mohammed

Overall, It was good to get on court again albeit this time around for exercise and enjoyment. It was also an apt reminder of how to put oneself in the shoes of former players and coaches, who work very hard to make such events available to the public – often with competing demands of academics, family and work. Furthermore, I have more admiration and respect for the “master’s” level players who despite age – demonstrated dedication to compete and still enjoy the benefits of the sport all with a smile.

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Filed under Community Development, Education, Leadership, Leisure, Recreation, Squash, Youth Development

July 12, 2016 · 10:28 pm

Squashing Barriers: Sources of Inspiration

The Stevens Memorial Library in North Andover, MA has a wonderful 2016 summer sport film series which is free and open to the public. As part of my exploration in sport and development, I chose to watch the movie 42, for the first time which is a biographical portrayal about Jackie Robinson. Race and racism, unfortunately still exists in America today as we have seen by the repeated incidents of gun violence.

When I was a teenager in Saudi Arabia and India in the late 1980s and early 1990s, one did not know much of the struggles of Jackie Robinson and his role in the civil rights movement in the United States. Perhaps this was ignorance or because one was consumed by the political events in the Persian Gulf. Today, being a naturalized American of color, I am even more moved by the words “we shall overcome” and Jackie’s story of resilience and courage.

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I have blogged about Khelshala, a sport-based youth development program in Chandigarh, India – founded by Coach Satinder Bajwa – the first person of color to be the Head Coach of Harvard Men’s and Women’s Squash – but I have not given much thought to how Khelshala and its mission fits with the wider world of sport.

It helps to understand the legacies of Jackie Robinson and more recently the passing of Mohammad Ali also known as the “The Greatest” and put squash -a minor sport – into context. James Zug, an American author of Squash: A History of the Game, which mostly discusses the sport in the United States of America is seen as the go-to-guy on writing books about squash. Zug acknowledges squash players of color (such as Anil Nayar of Harvard, Wendell Chestnut of Williams College and of course Hashim Khan, the legendary squash professional of the Khan squash dynasty) who like Jackie Robinson “squash barriers.”

“Squashing barriers” is the essence of Khelshala (an international affiliate of the National Urban Squash and Education Association) in India where social stratification is common. Just as Mahatma Gandhi served as a source of inspiration to Martin Luther King, perhaps Jackie Robinson’s story will serve as a source of inspiration to the children of Khelshala and many others around the world.

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Filed under Community Development, Conflict Resolution, Education, Leadership, Literature Review, Peace Building, Philanthropy, Professional Development, Squash, Youth Development

June 28, 2016 · 5:17 pm

Community Sport: What are Transferable Methodologies and Approaches?

The 2016 Olympics in Rio has generated terrific event in the Greater Boston area, like the one I attended yesterday with guest speakers such as Ellen Minzer, World Champion rower and award-winning coach. From her experience at elite levels of rowing and more recently as a coach to athletes with disabilities preparing for the Paralympics in Rio, Coach Minzer highlighted the importance of social inclusion in sport.

Among Coach Minzer, many coaching roles she serves as the Director of Outreach with Community Rowing Inc a sport-based youth development program based in Boston. In listening to Coach Minzer presentation, I began to see linkages in the aspirations of what Kidsquash was striving for in Boston and Khelshala in India. Comparisons can be made in community sport – such as rowing and squash – though executed differently by athletes during competition.

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Squash is mostly an individual sport in that during competition on the court it is one versus one, although there are team events too such as doubles squash with two versus two. Rowing is more of a team sport although there can be events with single sculling. The question for program directors of sport-based youth development programs from different community sports becomes what best practice in coaching rowing can be applied to squash or vice versa? What coaching methodologies do coaches use with differently aged and abled athletes? What coaching philosophies or approaches can program directors help to implement?

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These questions have societal consequences for all stakeholders in sport and beyond. This is why it is important to create more qualified coaches such as Coach Minzer who gives back to the sport, no matter what the level of the athletes, as they can help raise standards in community sport practice and participation. The Institute of Athletic Coach Education at Boston University is a fantastic resource for program directors and coaches to begin or enhance their professional development with sport-based youth development programs.

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Filed under Capacity Buidling, Coaching, Community Development, Conferences, Education, Gender, Leadership, Leisure, Networking, Paralympic, Professional Development, Rehabilitation, Stakeholder Engagement, Youth Development

June 9, 2016 · 6:58 pm

Enriching High-Ability Middle School Students in Sustainable Development

This spring, I’ve been teaching part-time at Acera: The Massachusetts School of Science, Creativity and Leadership: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Enrichment Program focusing on current events, political activism and global issues for high-ability middle school students to help them become the best version of themselves.

As the Political-Science / Model United Nations Club Leader I co-facilitated simulations and discussions related to international sustainable development and the U.S. Presidential Elections. We started with global issues and then domestic political issues. The Acera middle school students are highly intelligent, passionate and creative leading to animated discussions which were engaging, lively and heartfelt.

Poli Sci - Model UN students from Acera School attending the 2016 Massachusetts Democratic Convention in Lowell, MA.

Political Science – Model UN students from Acera School attending the 2016 Massachusetts Democratic Convention in Lowell, MA. Photo Credit: T. Mohammed

As part of the course design, I initiated a Field Trip for 2 boys to the 2016 Massachusetts Democratic Convention at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell’s Tsongas Arena. This was a unique opportunity for Jakob, Jamie and myself to listen and observe to the leadership of the Massachusetts Democratic Party establishment. After checking in at the registration desk, we made our way into the Tsongas Arena Indoor stadium where we able to get a close view of the many speakers such as Elizabeth Warren, Maura Healey, Marty Walsh, Ed Markey to name a few.

While sitting in the 5th Middlesex District seating session we had an opportunity to ask Sue Thompson, a Massachusetts delegate about the nature of the 2016 convention, the role of delegates and super delegates and how young people can get more involved in the Massachusetts Democratic Party through its youth wing. In addition, as attendees we were able to collect brochures, literature, pins, posters and bags to further raise awareness of the candidates and issues which Massachusetts Democrats seek to address and take action on 2016 and beyond.

Overall, it was my pleasure to facilitate the teaching and learning for a group of cooperative and coachable middle students who were keen to learn more about active citizenship. Thank you Acera students, staff and parents for the opportunity!

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Filed under Capacity Buidling, Coaching, Community Development, Education, Leadership, Networking, Volunteering, Youth Development

May 23, 2016 · 4:33 pm

Kodaikanal International School Alumni Acknowledged for Community Service in India

Earlier in the year, I traveled almost 24 hours door to door from Andover, Massachusetts to Peermade, Kerala, India to see my maternal grandparents who were not keeping good health and (and have since March 2016 stabilized their health in old age and God-willing will continue to do so). As mentioned in an earlier blog post, it was an opportunity to spend time with family members and reconnect with positive childhood memories.

Near the Main Gate at Kodaikanal International School visit in 2016.

Near the Main Gate at Kodaikanal International School visit in 2016. Photo Credit: M. John

My Keralite cousins organized a trip to visit Kodaikanal International School, one of two international schools I attended as a boy. Thanks to Yvonne Dovlo, Alumni Officer and KIS alumni who work to support Khelshala, a registered charity in Chandigarh, India – we were featured in 7 Roads: The Kodai Alumni Magazine – something I never imagined would happen when I was student more than 20 years ago.

Cover of Kodai Alumni Magazine referencing Khelshala Project.

Cover of Kodai Alumni Magazine referencing Khelshala Project.

During my visit to KIS it was great to reconnect with staff, teachers and alumni who I had shared time with when I was a student there. These sorts of visits are “good for the soul” as my uncle – Tawheed Hazarika, likes to remind me. My cousins and I were lucky to get a personal tour of the school and eat lunch in the dining hall thanks to one of the new teachers.

Attending Sunday Service at Kodai School.

Attending Sunday Service at Margaret Eddy Memorial Chapel at Kodaikanal International School in 2016. Photo credit: M. John

KIS prides itself on multiculturalism and tolerance of all faiths and backgrounds which is expressed in the school’s motto of “unity in diversity.” On the whole, I was delighted to see the campus so well maintained with many improvements too. It was also great to briefly meet Corey Stixrud, Principal of KIS and to know that the school is continually striving for and meeting the educational needs of the next generation of Indian and international students.

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Filed under Community Development, Education, Networking, Philanthropy, Stakeholder Engagement, Uncategorized, Youth Development, Youth Sport

May 17, 2016 · 4:31 pm

Listening to a Young Olympian Set Goals For Rio 2016

I’ve been spending a lot of the time in Memorial Hall Library in Andover, MA contemplating, transitioning and hopefully preparing for the next step(s) for what the future may hold. Libraries are interesting spaces for self-discovery if one is at a crossroads.

Ruben Sanca, a Cape Verdean Olympian distance runner gave a talk at Memorial Hall Library to a diverse audience of New England residents. He spoke about his London 2012 Olympics experience and other highlights from his running career as well as his training regime while working full-time at University of Massachusetts Lowell. He generously answered questions from the audience ranging from running shoes, injuries and recovery.

Ruben Sanca, a Cape Verdean Olympian speaking at Memorial Hall Library.

Ruben Sanca, a Cape Verdean Olympian speaking at Memorial Hall Library.

It was reassuring to hear Ruben give advice to parents of young athletes on how every athlete is different and the importance of having fun. His positive developmental message to the audience was to enable young athletes to develop an interest in sport through an organic process. As a qualified coach, I was pleased with Ruben’s view that parents should enable young athletes to continue if they derive enjoyment from their participation.

Overall, it was an educational experience to attend the Memorial Hall Library event and meet an Olympian who is waiting to find out if his wild-card entry to the 2016 Olympics in Rio will be granted. Thank you to the staff and volunteers at Memorial Hall Library for organizing programs and events of interest.

 

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Filed under Capacity Buidling, Coaching, Community Development, Education, Networking, Olympic, Youth Development