Inter Campus Cuba: sport at the heart of education

Sport is absolutely central to Cuban culture; it is seen as a means of development for the entire community, an educational tool and a mode of fostering social cohesion. It therefore plays a crucial role in Cuban society, offering a form of social freedom, especially in these last few years of economic crisis brought about by the pandemic and lack of tourism. The effects are plain to see, as we observed on our recent visit, and it means that the work that Inter Campus has been doing for years takes on further significance.

This context has served as an extra motivation and boost to get children out onto the pitch. Training sessions have been held across Havana, from the Jaimanitas neighbourhood to the centre near Plaza de la Revolucion, and also in Holguin, the main city of the municipality which bears the same name. Local coaches have engaged intensively and actively in many hours of direct training sessions, especially in the centres of Holguin.

At an institutional level too, important work has been done. Inter Campus has reinforced links with its partners in the country, the Football Association of Cuba and the Hijas de la Misericordia congregation, represented by Sister Onoria. Both are aware, perhaps now more than ever, of the important role sport can play in education.