Sport, a key peace-building tool in the African Great Lakes

  • Countries and dates:

    Burundi: 2007-present, DC Congo: 2010-present and Rwanda: 2012-present.

  • Target group:

    All young people living in the border region of the Ruzizi Plain.

  • Beneficiaries:

    Since 2007, more than 3,700 young people aged 9-20 have benefited from the program.

  • Number of people reached:

    Around 12,000 (parents, families and local communities).

  • Local jobs:

    Four directors and 20 youth leaders are currently employed full-time at the centres.

  • Events:

    The 7th edition of the Friendship Games in the Great Lakes region of Africa took place from 14 – 16 October 2016, for the second time in Bugarama, Rwanda. These three days of trans-border sports events designed to promote peace brought together over 180 9-15 year-olds from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda.