By Abubakarr Harding
Caritas Freetown, in partnership with CRS, is implementing a project titled: “Youth in Politics and Peace Building” in Sierra Leone. The project aims to promote an inclusive political process, social cohesion, and socio-economic improvement for young people in five districts across the country. As part of these efforts, a Peace Football Match was organized on the 30th of September 2023, at the Congo Town Community Football Field geared towards raising awareness about the importance of peace and unity in society.
The event was mainly to engage the youth in a fun and interactive way while conveying a powerful message of peace and unity. By utilizing the universal language of football, the organizers expressed the hope of creating a lasting impact on young people.
The Peace Football Match serves a twofold purpose. Firstly, it aims to raise awareness about the importance of peace and its positive impact on society. In a country that has faced its fair share of conflicts, it is crucial to emphasize the significance of peaceful resolutions and social harmony. By engaging the youth in the event, Caritas Freetown and CRS hoped to instil in them the values of peacebuilding, which they can carry forward into their communities.
During the halftime break of the Peace Football Match, representatives from the Youth Commission and from the Ministry of Gender and Children Affairs delivered statements. By sharing their insights and experiences of how peace could be promoted, their statements were full of wisdom and guidance that undoubtedly resonated with the youth. Their presence and encouragement will inspire the young individuals to become ambassadors of peace within their respective communities.
The Peace Football Match organized by Caritas Freetown and CRS is a commendable initiative to promote peace, unity, and youth engagement in Sierra Leone. By utilizing the power of football, the organizers expected to create a positive impact on society and inspire the younger generation to actively participate in peacebuilding efforts.
The event was indeed a memorable one with the presence of esteemed guests who shared their experiences and motivated the youth to become agents of change.
