Birkdale teacher in a SKRUM
26 March 2008
Mr Reynolds
After 18 years service at Birkdale School, Mr Steve Reynolds (sports and biology teacher), has been granted a sabbatical from April to September 2008.
He is working with the charity SKRUM (Swazi Kids Rugby Union Mission) in Swaziland. The aim of this charity is to give help and hope to despondent young people.
The charity works with boys and girls under the age of 16 within all Swazi schools. The project develops rugby skills and also delivers a programme in health education, especially HIV awareness, gender violence and personal development. (41% of the population is HIV positive and a high proportion of those under 16 will be double orphans in a few years).
Mr Reynolds is hoping to use his skills as an RFU level 3 coach, coach tutor, and 27 years as a biology teacher, to assist the charity during his stay, and enhance their important work. He will visit many schools to help train Swazi teachers in relevant skills to promote and improve the education of the Swazi children.
Mr Reynolds said “This is an opportunity of a lifetime and I hope my teaching experience can make some difference to the children in Swaziland”.
