Abdurrahman’s Story: Restoring Children’s Rights To Play Through Community Sports

My name is Abdirahman, and I work with SWCCA in the Mahad Alle IDP camp and Dagaari village in the Galkayo District. During my fieldwork in these areas, I noticed something troubling – the children in these communities weren’t participating in any form of sports or recreational activities. It was a sad sight to see kids with so much energy and potential but no outlet to channel it. I decided to investigate further to understand why this was happening.

Upon conducting assessment and observation, I discovered that the reason behind this lack of participation in sports was deeply rooted in cultural beliefs. The local religious leaders and elders had banned football and other forms of sports, deeming them inappropriate for the children. This restriction was limiting the kids’ opportunities to engage in physical activities, which are essential for their growth and development. I immediately realized that something needed to be done to change this situation and give the children an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of sports, which include physical health, social interaction, and improved well-being.

I brought this issue to the attention of my team members at SWCCA, and we decided to take action. We began a massive educational campaign aimed at changing the community’s perception on sports and recreational activities for the children. We worked closely with the religious leaders and elders, holding discussions and presenting the positive impact of sports on children’s lives. Through continuous dialogue, we managed to build understanding and gain the support of community leaders. With their blessing, SWCCA organized sports activities for the children and provided them with sports kits, including footballs and other equipment.

The impact of these efforts was astounding. What started as a small initiative soon grew into a community-wide movement. The children began to actively participate in sports, and it wasn’t long before the entire community started embracing the idea. Sports and recreational activities became a fun and exciting part of everyday life in Mahad Alle and Dagaari. Children now engage in football, volleyball, and other physical activities that were once banned. This not only improved their physical health but also created a sense of camaraderie and unity among them.

The transformation was not just physical but also cultural. The community, once skeptical about the benefits of sports, now sees it as a positive force for the development of their children. I am proud to say that through SWCCA’s efforts, we were able to bring about this change. The children now have the chance to thrive in ways they never could have before, and sports have become a central part of their lives. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience to see the joy and energy that sports have brought to these children, and I am thankful to have played a part in changing the community’s perspective on such a vital aspect of child development.

‘‘My name is Ali, 12 yrs. old, and I can hardly contain my excitement about finally being able to participate in sports and recreational activities in my village! For as long as I can remember, we didn’t have any facilities or opportunities to play games, and I often dreamed of kicking a soccer ball or joining my friends in a game of basketball. Now, with new programs being introduced, I feel like a whole new world has opened up for us. Running on the field, laughing with my friends, and learning new skills fills me with joy and a sense of belonging I’ve never felt before. This chance to play not only brings us together but also gives us hope and a brighter future. I am so thankful for this opportunity to be active and have fun! ” Echoes Ali.

Supported by Somali Humanitarian Fund (SHF).