• Youth Engagement through Sports (Budi County): Supported by USAID/DT-Global, strengthening trauma awareness, peaceful coexistence, and gender transformation. In the dusty fields of Budi County, 19-year-old John (not his real name) once carried the weight of trauma from years of conflict. But when WAPID South Sudan launched the Youth Engagement through Sports initiative with funding from USAID/DT-Global, everything changed. Through football, John found not just a team- but a brotherhood. Trained in trauma awareness and peaceful coexistence, he now coaches younger boys, teaching them not just how to pass the ball, but how to pass on peace. “Football gave me a voice,” he says. “Now I use it to heal others.”
Youth Chairperson, Mr. Benedict Lowach Nyemuget and County Executive Director, Mr. Alfred Odong cheered up the participants during the Peace Tournament, Grand Finale.
• Youth Empowerment: 257 sports officials and football club members trained and supported: When 257 sports officials and football club members gathered for training, few expected the transformation that followed. Beyond drills and tactics, they learned about gender equity, trauma healing, and leadership. One coach now runs a girls’ football team—something unheard of in her village. “They said girls shouldn’t play,” she recalls. “Now they cheer for us.” The pitch has become a platform for change, and every match is a step toward a more inclusive future.
• Agriculture: Over 69 avocado seedlings and 29 improved banana suckers distributed to farmers: Langa, a reformed boy in Budi County, had never planted an avocado tree before. But when he received improved seedlings through the agricultural support program, he saw a chance to change his family’s future. With 69 avocado seedlings and 29 banana suckers distributed across his village, Langa’s small plot is now a thriving garden. “I used to think that people will not buy fruit when you take them to the market,” he smiles. “Now I sell it, and women could scramble over them, Avocado, Tomatoes and Cabbages.” He owns operates a small retail shop as a result of the sales from farming.
• Farmer Groups Supported: Lohidele (13 members) & Monita (11 members): The Lohidele farmer group started with just 13 members and a shared dream: to grow together. With training and support, they learned modern farming techniques and how to manage their yields. Today, they’re not only producing more – but they’re also mentoring the Monita group, who joined with 11 eager members. “We’re not just farmers,” says group leader Peter. “We’re a movement.” Their collaboration has sparked a ripple effect of food security and economic resilience across the region.
