Several students from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada, are currently visiting Antigua and Barbuda on a revived International Health Education and Research Experience (IHERE) programme.
The contingent of 15 students arrived in Antigua on May 4 and will return to Alberta, Canada, on June 14.
The University of Alberta students are in Antigua on a similar programme, which was held for several years with students of the University of Fraser Valley in British Columbia, Canada.
The programme with the University of Fraser Valley, which was in existence for at least 12 years, came to a halt after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019.
After a hiatus of five years, the leader of the programme, Dr. Joanna Sheppard, has been instrumental in its revival. Sheppard, who initiated the programme with the University of Fraser Valley, joined the University of Alberta in 2023.
The programme is a unique educational experience opportunity that allows undergraduate students, called the “Champions”, to engage in meaningful teaching, research and community outreach alongside local partners.
Over a six-week period, Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation (KSR) students will be contributing in multiple areas, such as Elementary Health & Physical Education at elementary schools, promoting physical literacy, health habits and inclusive movement opportunities.
It is being done in collaboration with the Antigua & Barbuda Ministry of Education, Sport and Creative Industries, and Kelichi Kemnele, a PhD candidate from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
The students are supporting the rollout of an island-wide health surveillance system, targeting Grade 5 students.
Also included in the programme is inclusive physical activity and disability support. The University of Alberta will be working directly with children with disabilities through school-based programmes and community partnerships, helping to foster inclusive physically active environments.
Meanwhile, the University of Alberta students will have some other community engagement. This is through a growing partnership with the CPTSA Wings Sports Club, delivering after-school programming, supporting community events, and helping build local capacity for sport and recreation.
The visiting students have been engaged with officiating during the 10th Wings Youth Basketball Festival, which was held at the JSC Sports Complex on Saturday, May 10.
The University of Alberta students will also be assisting and participating at the CPTSA Wings Sports Club’s 31st Whit Monday 4 x 1.5-mile road relay and 10K run, which are scheduled for June 9.
Overall, the programme “is a great example of international experiential education,” said Dr. Joanna Sheppard, Experiential Learning Lead in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation at the University of Alberta.
“Our students are building their skills in teaching, research, and inclusion while contributing meaningfully to youth health and community sport development in Antigua,” Dr. Sheppard added.
