Play Right Project
Context
Historical and ongoing conflicts in the Great Lakes region and other African countries have made Uganda a host country for large numbers of refugees.
Coming mainly from Burundi, Eritrea, Ethiopia, DRC, Congo, Rwanda, Somalia and Sudan, refugees with different cultures, religious identities and ideologies have gradually settled in a climate of discrimination, hatred and hostility. This has led to an increase in violence between refugees and also between refugees and host populations.
Youth Sport Uganda uses football to reduce violence in refugee host communities. The initiative aims to influence the health and psychosocial well-being of children and young people (including 51% girls and 6% disabled children).
Objectives
- Promote the practice of sport (especially for girls and people with disabilities) and stimulate social cohesion within communities
- Strengthen 33 child/youth advocacy clubs in target schools
- Promote peace and children’s rights among children and youth in refugee and host communities.
- Empower youth through physical and psychosocial well-being
Activities
- Training of 60 teachers in the use of football for conflict prevention, violence reduction, inclusion of the disabled and gender equality.
- Training of 30 coaches in the use of modified football games to deliver life skills sessions to children and youth.
- Organisation of information and awareness-raising sessions through sport for over 1,500 children and youth on conflict, violence, disability, inclusion, gender equality, children’s rights and protection
- Organisation of bi-weekly football activities combined with awareness sessions
Impact
- Access to sports and games for over 1,500 young people
- Improved community living skills and abilities
- Reduction of gender disparities
- Improving cohesion in refugee-hosting communities