Children in South Sudan know conflict, division and fear.

They want their future to tell a different story!

Today, you'll meet 500 children kicking their way to peace.

In places where hope can seem lost, football is far more than a game.

Kick and play

Every child participating in the event is deeply affected by war.

They have crossed borders, fleeing violence, left family members behind, and not live displaced, knowing the ache of an uncertain future.

As of October 2024, according to UNHCR, South Sudan hosts over half a million refugees which makes it the second largest recipient of those fleeing Sudan’s conflict. *https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/10/1155636

"There's a lot of anticipation and hope in South Sudan. Everybody's quest is for peace to prevail in this country, so that they have their lives back to normal, take care of their children, and develop the nation." Dr Mesfin Loha, National Director WV South Sudan

A team cheers with joy from the sidelines as they get a goal. It's difficult to measure how impactful providing moments for joy and achievement are for children living in such complex circumstances.

A team of might girls line up, ready to kick it! This event ensures that girls, not only play but are seen and scheduled to play on the main field. Visibility matters, especially within contexts that often do not prioritise participation of women and girls. Including girls and their teams in this event is a strategic programming decision, enhancing gender equality and representation.

Alan Leju

As a humanitarian organisation, we help children survive, but what is survival if you don't have a future to aspire to.

In South Sudan, children must see a path to peace. Delivering relevant and engaging peacebuilding programs through sports and arts are so important.

A genuine future where peace flourishes must include those often removed from the decision making tables. We are committed provide programmes that include and elevate women and girls. Sports for Peace is proud to pursue new paths for girls to engage, offering them access to sport, the joy of playing but also visibility and future opportunity.

Your gift is helping boys and girls kick future winning goals!

What can I do?

Here's three ways for you to go a little deeper - chat, act or share!

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  2. 2

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Refugees

Never before have the immediate needs of vulnerable children and their families been so great. Covid-19, climate change, food insecurity and violence have only increased the vulnerability of some 79.5 million (UN 2019*) forcibly displaced persons.

1% of the world's population is displaced. Among them are nearly 26 million refugees, around half of whom are under the age of 18*.

Refugees and those forcibly displaced face realities most of us simply can not truly comprehend. Often fleeing for their lives, families are forced to leave everything behind just to stay alive. Some must cross borders, many attempt to find shelter in camps for Informal Displaceed Persons (IDP) within their home country. Conditions are mostly devastating and children are highly vulnerable to violence, neglect, exploitation. Childhoods are robbed along with children's futures and dreams.

Childhood Rescue provides support in many ways - working directly with refugees, partner NGOs, and with government agencies. Support includes:

  • Providing urgent and ongoing food assistance
  • Establishing child-friendly spaces for psycho-social and mental health support
  • Child awareness sessions and places to play and be a child
  • WASH programs that provide water & sanitation programs and support

*UN statistics can be found here: https://www.unhcr.org/en-au/figures-at-a-glance.html