Sport for Better Health for All

Project suppported by ATADC

Founded in 2012 and based in Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Association des Techniciens en Action pour le Développement Communautaire promotes the social inclusion of vulnerable women and children. The association works with disadvantaged people and communities to improve health and socio-economic living standards.

Through its "Sport for Better Health for All" project, ATADC is working with the victims of war, sexual violence and pandemics (Ebola and COVID-19) in the city of Goma and the surrounding areas. The project organises sports activities and programmes to mitigate trauma and improve the socio-economic circumstances of vulnerable people.

Context

The city of Goma has been afflicted by civil war since 1994. Among Goma’s population of more than 1 million inhabitants, almost half are refugees. The difficult living conditions increase children’s vulnerability and the spread of disease (Ebola, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), etc.).

ATADC’s project aims to develop sports activities as an effective method to strengthen local people’s resilience and facilitate the socio-economic integration of vulnerable young people and older adults.

Goals

Reintegrate disadvantaged and marginalised persons and victims of sexual violence through sports activities organised over a two-year period
Combat discrimination through the rehabilitation and reintegration of people in difficulty
Strengthen social cohesion in the city of Goma and the surrounding areas
Contribute to the social success of young people traumatised by war and negatively impacted by diseases (notably STIs, Ebola and COVID-19)

Activities

Carrying out social, sports and health-based activities and awareness-raising for disadvantaged communities, with a focus on STDs, HIV/AIDS, contraception, hygiene, etc.
Organising training sessions and sports competitions combined with educational and health activities over a two-year period
Supplying sports equipment and teaching materials for young people

Organisation

In addition to ATADC personnel who take part in operations on a part-time basis, the project has a permanent staff of five members, three of whom are salaried and two are volunteers:

two qualified sports coaches (football and basketball) in charge of education, planning the training programme per cycle and supervising training sessions
one supervisor specialising in both mental and public health
two volunteers supporting the project’s main activities

Impacts

Over a two-year period, 145 young people in difficulty (53% girls and 47% boys) were “detraumatised” and reintegrated into socio-economic life through sports activities and awareness-raising campaigns
Reduction of 30-45% in the incidence of mental health problems in the city of Goma in the DRC
Significant reduction in unwanted pregnancies, STIs and HIV/AIDS among young people
Improvement in the health of the target populations (young and older adults)