Originally designed as a curriculum for HIV/AIDs education and prevention, I’ve adapted the GrassRoots Soccer framework, which focuses on physical skills, to working on mental health. Our “classes” with Futbol Para la Vida honestly resemble a normal soccer practice more than they do a class. For example, we usually start practice with warmups. While we are in the stretch circle, everyone takes a turn choosing a stretch or exercise for the group to do, and as we do it, participants must respond to a review question from the previous class. Then, for a main activity, we might set up a dribbling drill with cones. The cones have pieces of paper taped to them, and if someone hits the cone, they have to read the paper, which might have a risk-factor of alcohol or drug-use written on it. We take a moment to discuss this issue, then continue with the activity.
I feel so lucky that my position as a Peace Corps Volunteer has allowed me to work so closely with so many amazing individuals. I’ve gotten to form close relationships with my coworkers and students, and to contribute to positive development. Mental health is a topic that is so so important, yet is often overlooked. But that is changing, and I am grateful to be a part of this change!
