Literature Review: Leveraging Sports for Resilient Communities and Well-being

Details

Mission and objectives

Morobe Development Foundation Inc. is a leading Internationally recognised NGO based in Lae Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. It has the vision to help young people reach their full potential by utilizing their hidden talents in community development initiatives so they can realize their potential and become role model in the community. MDF was established to address a broader and more diverse range of objectives and work through the use of dance, music, and drama, MDF’s primary aim is to ensure that women participate equally in decision-making in any project undertaken, including projects related to Ending Violence against Women and promoting Human Rights to support the Government and the Sustainable Development Goals. MDF, in collaboration with Online Volunteers, engaged through the UNV's Unified Volunteer Platform (UVP), has also undertaken various scientific research studies related to the environment - forest cover loss, land use land cover change, the influence of various parameters on surface waters, and coastal shoreline turtle habitat loss. These projects included the participation of various experts and researchers from diverse fields across various countries across the globe - ranging from marine biology, biodiversity conservation, PNG community management, remote sensing, and land use policy among various others. MDF is managed by a management committee, which is made up of the Chairman, the Deputy Chairman, Secretary, the Treasurer, the Project Coordinator, Community Development Officer, and a male and female member of the foundation, and ensures that women participate equally in decision making. We at MDF assert that we have the required skill sets, knowledge, established international network, and the necessary foundational work to undertake projects successfully.

Context

The Morobe Development Foundation Inc. (MDF) is dedicated to improving the welfare of communities in Papua New Guinea through a range of programmes. This project assignment is to investigate the impact of sports on the development of resilient communities and the improvement of overall well-being, in accordance with the objectives of the foundation. To better understand the impacts and contribution of sports towards community resilience, MDF is embarking on a research study that will entail a comprehensive literature analysis. This literature analysis will help MDF to gain a deep understanding of the ways in which sports contributing to physical well-being, social integration, and the formation of community identity. In the literature review, our objective is to establish a correlation between physical activity and sport in enhancing the well-being of individuals in the community. Additionally, we aim to gain insights into effective approaches and lessons from the development of community sports centres that prioritise the community as a whole. This includes a particular focus on the youth demographic and the creation of relevant educational programmes. This effort is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal no.3 (good health and well-being). The knowledge acquired from this research will guide MDF's approaches to utilising and implementing sports for sustainable community development and for the establishment of the community's sports centre in the future.

Task description

We are looking for three online volunteers to contribute to this research project, each focusing on a distinct aspect of the literature review: 1. Physical Well-being Conduct a literature review focused on the impact of sports on physical health and well-being. This includes analysing studies on physical fitness, health benefits, and the role of sports in preventing and managing health conditions. 2. Social Cohesion Review literature on the social aspects of sports, examining how sports activities promote social interaction, community engagement, and a sense of belonging. The volunteer will focus on understanding the social benefits of sports participation and their impact on community resilience. 3. Community Impact Explore studies and reports on the broader impact of sports on community development and resilience. This involves reviewing cases where sports have contributed to community identity, economic benefits, and overall quality of life.