EU Ambassador and German Deputy Head of Mission officially handover rehabilitated playground in Terekeka County

Credit: Opening ofsports ground in Terekeka County, ©EU

The Ambassador of the European Union and the Deputy Head of Mission of the Federal Republic of Germany, together with representatives of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, visited Terekeka County to officially hand over the rehabilitated Terekeka community sportsplayground to the County Government and local community on Thursday, August 27.

During the visit, the delegation met with the Commissioner of Terekeka County, Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Loku, and representatives of the County Administration and local community. Discussions focused on cooperation with the County Government and on ongoing Sport for Development (S4D) activities that create opportunities for young people to engage, develop skills and contribute to peaceful and inclusive communities.

The rehabilitation of the sports playground was jointly co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The upgraded facility provides a safe and inclusive space where young people can come together through sport, strengthen social connections and participate in activities promoting peaceful coexistence, inclusion and gender equality.

“This is the best playground in Terekeka. With the new coaches and the rehabilitated playground, football promotes peace just as the church promotes peace. We want to shift from a cattle community to a football community. We aim to raise the standard of our people by promoting peace and unity in South Sudan. Many here have played football since they were young”, said Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Loku, Commissioner of Terekeka County.

Nicole Hoffmann, Deputy Head of Mission for the Federal Republic of Germany, noted: “For me football is what really brings a community together. Football speaks to everyone, everywhere. It is an event, an activity, and a social space which also creates bridges around the world. That’s why our Sport for Development concept is so valuable. With football young people learn about rules, teamwork and organizational skills preparing them for society and life.”

“Thank you for welcoming us so warmly. Today we hand over this sports field, just one piece of land, but an important one. Yet the real prize is all of you here. Through this work you have become coaches of inclusive sport and of peace, and you will be the champions in your own community,” added Pelle Enarsson, EU Ambassador to South Sudan.

The rehabilitation of the Terekeka community sports playground included levelling of the football pitch, installation of two goalposts, construction of two shaded areas and a threestance ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrine. Sports equipment was also provided to trained local coaches to support regular activities and the long-term use of the facility.

The investment goes beyond physical infrastructure. Through the Sport for Development approach, sport provides a platform for bringing together girls and boys and young people from different parts of the community in a safe and inclusive environment. Local coaches have been trained to combine sport with activities promoting peaceful coexistence, gender equality, inclusion, leadership and safeguarding.

Through value-based sports activities, young people strengthen teamwork, communication and mutual respect while developing their ability to address differences in non-violent ways. Particular attention is given to the meaningful participation of girls and young women, with gender-responsive activities aimed at challenging barriers and stereotypes and strengthening confidence and leadership.

By connecting trained coaches, young people, sports organisations, communities and local authorities, S4D also creates opportunities for dialogue and cooperation at local level. The rehabilitated playground will remain under community ownership and provide a sustainable space for sport, interaction and youth participation.

The rehabilitation of the Terekeka community sports playground was jointly co-funded by the European Union and BMZ as part of the LoGo project. Other Sport for Development activities are financed by BMZ and are not co-funded by the European Union. Sport for Development is an established approach in German Development Cooperation.

The project “Strengthening Local Governance and Peaceful Coexistence in South Sudan (LoGo)” is jointly co-funded by the European Union (EUR 5 million) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) (EUR 6 million) and implemented by GIZ as part of the BMZ project “Local Governance and Promotion of Peaceful Coexistence in South Sudan” since August 2022. Implementation partner of the project is the South Sudanese Local Government Board.

The project strives to increase the transparency of local administrations and ensure that the development needs of the public are considered by training local administrative staff and facilitating joint planning processes with communities. Dialogue between young people and local authorities contributes to a peaceful environment, while youth and women’s organisations are supported in strengthening their capacities.