December 13, 2024 – On November 2, 2024, WPDI, in collaboration with the Swedish Postcode Foundation and the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA), officially launched the Whitaker Peace Tournament 2024 in Juba at the Protection of Civilians Site 3 (PoC 3). Under the theme “Promoting peace and community cohesion through sports,” this initiative leveraged the power of football to bring together communities affected by conflict, fostering healing, unity, and hope.
The month-long tournament features 24 teams with participants drawn from the PoC 3 camp and neighborhoods across Juba. Matches were hosted in areas accommodating internally displaced persons (IDPs) and local communities within Juba County and Juba City Council. We were particularly proud to have been able to engage 12 boys’ teams and 12 girls’ teams; reaching gender parity in such a high-visibility event felt like a first victory, especially in a country where girls receive less support to practice sports.
During the opening ceremony, WPDI’s Central Equatoria State Program Coordinator, Bush Buse, emphasized the transformative power of sports for youth affected by conflict, poverty, and violence: “Sports serves as an avenue for inclusion in productive activities and offers protection from crime and social ills,” Buse remarked. “It provides a space for growth, a sense of belonging, healing, and holistic development.”
The aim of the tournament is to directly engage over 500 youth while indirectly impacting more than 15,000 individuals, fostering peacebuilding and trauma healing dialogues alongside competitive football. Each team, comprising 17 players, offers an opportunity for participants to hone their football skills while developing communication, self-discipline, confidence, and a shared motivation for positive change.
The initiative benefits from the support of key partners, including the Ministry of Youth and Sport, who have joined hands with WPDI, SSFA, and the Swedish Postcode Foundation. Addressing the gathering, James Wani, Director of Peace at the Central Equatoria State Ministry of Peace Building, commended WPDI for its commitment to peace-building through sports: “Sports builds friendship, creates relationships, love, and unity. We acknowledge the immense support provided to the people of South Sudan, particularly in Central Equatoria State, by WPDI and the Swedish Postcode Foundation,” Wani noted. “This initiative specifically targets at-risk youth, including former gang members who have transformed their lives through WPDI’s peace-building interventions.”
Participants and local leaders have lauded the tournament for its tangible impact on fostering peace and unity. Here are some of their words:
“This tournament has opened new avenues for socialization with teams from areas we were previously unfamiliar with. It has fostered friendships and strengthened the bonds of unity among all participating teams. I want to express my gratitude to WPDI for its unwavering support of the youth in promoting peace within our country.” – Peter Joseph, Player, Young Legend FC
“As the captain of Young Legend Academy, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of this Peace Tournament. Thanks to the support of WPDI, we now have access to sports equipment, uniforms, and other essential resources that were previously beyond our means.” – Daniel Akod, Captain, Young Legend FC
“This tournament has fostered love and unity in our lives as players and within our families, particularly for those of us who face educational challenges. We have made friends and coexisted beyond our tribal divides. My message to WPDI is to continue supporting girls’ teams throughout South Sudan.” – Asanty Chan Luis, Captain, Kugi United FC
“These football activities not only empower us as young women but also challenge the misconception that girls should not participate in sports. It also encourages our parents to trust us more. I appeal to WPDI to continue supporting girls’ teams by providing more opportunities and resources that allow us to focus on positive endeavors.” – Nejua James, Female Footballer
“Thanks to WPDI’s intervention, we are witnessing a more peaceful environment because of the dialogue and peace-through-sports initiatives. The engagement of youth in sports activities and the training sessions offered are now bearing fruit. We urge WPDI to maintain this spirit of compassion and dedication as a model for other organizations to follow.” – James Loro Emmanuel, Chief of Lologo Two and Chairman of the Peace Committee in Greater Lologo
These testimonials represent a concrete indication that the Whitaker Peace Tournament 2024 stands as a transformative platform for fostering unity, empowering youth, and bridging social and cultural divides through sports. By providing resources, nurturing friendships and challenging stereotypes, the tournament embodies a model of peacebuilding that resonates deeply across communities, empowering players and inspiring broader societal change. WPDI’s ambition is to continue inspiring participants and communities alike, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and harmonious South Sudan.
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