Anxious, yet Slightly So: The Subject at Hand
Refugee Swimming Instructor Helps Berlin Children Learn to Swim Safely
In the districts of Tempelhof, Tiergarten, and Marzahn, approximately 700 children are participating in intensive swimming courses, organised by the Berlin Swimming Association with support from the Berlin Senate and the Berlin State Sports Association (LSB). These courses, led by refugee swimming instructor Mohammad Shaban, are designed to help children learn to swim safely and conquer their fears.
Mohammad Shaban, a volunteer at sports clubs and a refugee who fled from Syria in 2015, has completed swimming instructor training and received his C license from the Berlin State Sports Association in 2021. He is leading these intensive courses, held at the public pool of Tempelhof, with a focus on providing focused and repetitive practice, individualized attention, water safety skills, a supportive and motivating atmosphere, and culturally sensitive approaches.
Many of the children participating range from third grade to tenth grade, and most had bad experiences in the water before. Shaban's unique role in these courses contributes to bridging cultural and language gaps, thereby improving communication and trust with children from refugee or migrant families, which enhances their learning and safety in swimming programs.
The intensive courses offer each child one swimming lesson per day for a week, with the goal of having many elementary school students earn their swimming badge by the end of the week. Shaban is also working with non-swimmers, helping them venture into deeper water and build their confidence in the water.
Despite a lack of specific information about these courses, it is clear that they are making a positive impact in the lives of these children. For precise details on the structure and documented impact of Shaban's program in Berlin, more specific sources or direct information from local swimming organizations or news would be needed.
Education-and-self-development and learning are essential components of Mohammad Shaban's swimming courses, as he fosters a supportive and motivating atmosphere while emphasizing water safety skills and culturally sensitive approaches. Sports, specifically swimming, serve as a means for the children to conquer their fears, build confidence, and advance in their education and self-development.
