Sport-Based Youth Development Abroad: Addressing Peace Corps Health Sector Goals Through Reflective Educational Approach to Character and Health in Paraguay

• In Event: International Relations Committee Paper Session 1

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how one program, Reflective Educational Approach to Character and Health (REACH), was enacted in a rural community in Paraguay to address specific United States Peace Corps (PC) goals. Through this partnership, REACH aimed to address two PC health sector goals pertaining promotion of learning and physical activities to reduce communicable diseases and developing life skills, such as communication, positive identity, self-esteem, and gender awareness. Using a qualitative case study approach, researchers found that 1) integrating physical fitness and literacy-based activities and 2)fostering student-centered autonomy over learning allowed for meeting PC health sector goals. Our paper explicates these findings and suggests implications for continuing the PC-REACH partnership in international contexts.

Authors

• Kelly C Johnston, Baylor University

• Risto Marttinen, George Mason University