Aweil football tournament transforms mindsets of girls
Girls have been called upon to indulge more in football and other sport in order to promote social-cohesion in their communities in the face of violence.
A football tournament organized by Empower Youth Africa in partnership with Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) brought together girls to enrich their knowledge on the ongoing peace process aimed at bringing an end to years of conflicts and communal violence.
Bol Akuar Gamar, State Minister of Youth, Culture, and Sports in Northern Bahr El Ghazal State, said sport helps to mend broken relationships among communities.
He said it complements the responsibility of parents, school teachers, community elders and faith-based leaders in their efforts to unite and reconcile communities.
“Empowering girls and women is very important because, in some communities girls and women may be reluctant to participate in traditional sport activities, sport can teach life skills and improves health and fitness,” said Gamar at the end of the two- days football tournament in Aweil town.
Gamar disclosed that the football tournament won by Tiger United football will support personal development, punctuality and time management and respect among the participants.
Kaku Lucia, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, said sport helps keep away girls from the temptations of early marriage.
Abuor Gordon, Northern Bahr el Ghazal Minister of Peace Building, sport helps youth to be actively engaged in productive work.
She added that the objective of the tournament is aimed at informing South Sudanese youth to beware of the ongoing political and social developments in the country.
