Sport Helps Children to Play Again in Uganda

During years of civil conflict in northern Uganda, schools were closed and entire communities were moved to safety in displacement camps. Now, with a fragile peace returning to Lira District, families are going back to their homes and schools are reopening.

But many returning children have been deeply affected by the conflict. Samuel Opido, 14, spent four years in a displacement camp. He said many bad things happened in the camp – fires, diseases, people dying and other incidents he can’t even talk about.

Looking to the future

In a UNICEF-sponsored project, sports such as soccer, basketball and volleyball are being promoted among 50 schools in Lira District, as part of an effort to get children to go back to classes and resume a normal childhood.

Samuel said sports and games have brought him together with new friends and opened his mind to positive thoughts, stay out of trouble and do well in school. Samuel and thousands of other students in Lira District are determined to leave their unhappy past behind, assisted by the simple pleasures of sport.