A groundbreaking project originating in Varennes aims to unite 30 students from the University of Montreal with 30 Moroccan coaches, focusing on helping vulnerable youth by leveraging the power of sports as a medium for psychosocial intervention based on attachment theory. This initiative, known as Attach, is spearheaded by the University of Montreal, the Centre des Ils et des Elles in Varennes, the Université Institute for Youth in Difficulty, and Tibu Africa. It will facilitate a 15-day summer school program in seven regions across Morocco, scheduled from May 4 to May 18.
David Côté-Dion, the psychoeducator and project coordinator, emphasized that Attach represents the first initiative to integrate Quebec’s psychoeducation with attachment theory and the 'sport for life' approach within an international cooperation framework. He stated, "Attach showcases that Quebec's psychoeducation can extend beyond our borders. For the first time, psychoeducation students will collaborate side by side with Moroccan coaches from Tibu Africa, a partnership that has never existed before." This unique collaboration aims to provide a transformative experience for both Moroccan youth and the students in training.
During a special partnership signing event at the University of Montreal on March 23, local Member of Parliament Suzanne Roy expressed her support for the initiative through her volunteer action support program. She remarked, "What we learn in Morocco, we will bring back here. Basketball Varennes is already aligned with this vision, and I encourage all sports associations in the region to follow suit. Using sport as a lever for human development is accessible to everyone, everywhere," concluding with a hopeful outlook on the impact of this initiative.
As reported by lareleve.qc.ca.
