Likoni MCA Athman Mwamiri (LEFT) and Samba Sports Youth Agenda CEO speak during a peace tournament at Mwahima Grounds in Mombasa County on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
Youth in Mombasa and Kwale counties have turned to football as a tool to promote tolerance, peace, and combat drug abuse, amid rising drug use and criminal activity in the regions.
Through the peace initiative Kujenga Amani, funded by the European Union, the youth have taken up the mantle of peace ambassadors, fostering peaceful coexistence by engaging in soccer.
Mohammed Mwachausa, CEO of Samba Sports Youth Agenda, said that the project involves 3,000 young people both male and female from areas such as Maskani, which are often identified as hotspots for insecurity.
He said the project aims to provide a positive outlet for the youth, steering them away from negative influences and creating safer communities through sport.
“Our main goal is to steer the youth away from criminal activities and drug abuse, recognizing the pivotal role peace plays in fostering growth and development,” he said.
A section of youth participate a peaceful football tournament at Mwahima stadium in Likoni, Mombasa County on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
Mwachausa noted that the six-month project has already shown promising results, with many youth now taking the lead as peace advocates, a significant shift from their previous behaviors.
He added that football has helped the youth focus on developing their talents, keeping them engaged and away from the dangers of idleness.
Mwachausa said by channeling energy into football, youth are not only honing their skills but also contributing to a peaceful and safer environment.
The involvement of women in the project has helped promote gender equality, empowering young girls to pursue their dreams both on and off the field.
“We believe that by continuously engaging the youth in positive activities such as football, we can sustain the momentum towards peace and development,” he said.
Mwachausa said that youth are a vital part of society, and it is essential to rescue and empower them, ensuring they have the opportunity to lead successful and fulfilling lives.
Samba Sports, Kujenga Amani project officer Kadzo Jali added that the initiative targets youth from various backgrounds, aiming to foster unity and understanding in communities prone to conflict.
She said they integrate football with life-skills training sessions to create a safe and constructive environment where young people can engage, express themselves, and learn the value of teamwork both on and off the field.
“We want to show them that differences don’t need to divide us. Through dialogue, they learn conflict resolution strategies, and through sports, they discover the power of collaboration,” said Jali.
She also noted that the program works closely with local leaders, mentors, and counselors to ensure that the participants receive holistic support, both emotionally and in terms of personal growth.
Jali said a great transformation has been reported with youth becoming very disciplined and resolving to peaceful conflict resolution.
A section of youth participate a peaceful football tournament at Mwahima stadium in Likoni, Mombasa County on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
Likoni MCA Athman Mwamiri hailed the project, commending its significant role in transforming the lives of youth in the two regions.
He noted that the initiative has provided a much-needed platform for young people to not only develop their talents but also learn essential life skills such as conflict management and dialogue.
“This program has been a game-changer for our youth. It aligns with the government’s broader agenda of youth empowerment, which is key to promoting peace and security in our communities,” said Mwamiri.
Mwamiri urged stakeholders including the politcal class to support such initiatives that create lasting impact by addressing the root causes of conflict and unemployment among the youth.
He said that for too long, politicians have exploited the youth for their own agendas.
Mwamiri stressed that it’s time to invest in their growth and development, and to foster peace within the community.
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