KOTA SAMARAHAN: Forty youths from the second phase of a British Council leadership programme, ‘Dreams and Teams’, held a mini sports festival for some 100 primary school pupils yesterday.

The youths, aged between 13 and 16, were from SMK Bandar Kuching No.2, SMK Muara Tuang, SMK Balai Ringin and SMK Lopeng Tengah, Miri.

British Council Malaysia education director Peter Clack said this was the second time youths from the programme in Sarawak were given the opportunity to plan and host such an event as part of their Young Leader’s Training Week.

He said ‘Dreams and Teams’ was an initiative of the Youth Sports Trust and the British Council, a project which has been implemented in 40 countries since it began in April 2001.

In Sarawak, the programme was first introduced in March last year and activities are organised in partnership with the state Education Department.

“Aiming at the development of young people to become leaders and global citizens, and to increase cross-cultural awareness through sports and international educational link, the programme also urges young people to think globally and act locally,” he said at the opening of the festival at SMK Muara Tuang.

Also present was state Education Department head of special education and private education Sukeman Suradi.

He said the ‘Dreams and Teams’ programme was in line with the nation’s aim of nation-building and character building as well as enhancing national schools.

Sukeman revealed that apart from programmes for the youths, the British Council had also funded a pre-training workshop for teachers here recently.

“‘Dreams and Teams’ is an international programme that provides continuous development for both teachers and students,” he said.

Sukeman also highlighted a special feature of the programme where young leaders are encouraged to work with their international counterparts through email, video conferencing and also face-to-face.

This, he said would bring about international and cross cultural understanding, helping youths to think globally and act locally.

The primary schools which participated in the event were SK Wira Jaya, SK Jalan Muara Tuang, SK Dato Mohd Musa and SK Dato Traoh.