Sudanese volunteers in Uganda have launched an initiative to organize a charity volleyball match aimed at raising funds to rehabilitate the volleyball court at the Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement and provide a safe sporting environment for girls who lack even the most basic resources needed to participate in sports.
The initiative is being implemented in cooperation with the Sudanese Youth Union in the Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement as part of broader efforts to support sports and social activities for refugees and expand safe spaces for girls within the settlement.
Marwa Mohamed Ali, a member of the initiative, told Mashaweer that the idea emerged after repeated visits by a team of young male and female athletes to the settlement to play friendly volleyball matches with the girls.
She explained that these visits also included discussion sessions to better understand the girls’ living conditions and the challenges they face.
She added that the poor condition of the volleyball court was the most pressing issue raised during every visit. Many girls also lack proper sports shoes and are forced to play barefoot or in household slippers, prompting the group to launch a campaign to rehabilitate the court.
Meanwhile, Najat Al-Fateh, an activist supporting women and girls in refugee settlements in Uganda, told Mashaweer that additional initiatives involving theatre, arts, and drama activities are planned for the coming period.
She noted that the fundraising campaign has made good progress but still requires additional support to complete the project.
Coach Jad Al-Rab told Mashaweer that the charity match is intended to mobilize public support for rehabilitating the volleyball court, calling on Sudanese communities and the local public to contribute to the success of the initiative.
He added that volleyball is more than just a sport for refugee girls; it provides a safe space that gives them a sense of security and hope while helping improve their psychological and social well-being amid the hardships of displacement. He emphasized that a properly rehabilitated court will help preserve this safe space and encourage greater participation by girls in sports activities.
