When we came up with the idea for Play31 it was almost too simple: raise money, buy footballs, give them to kids in villages that needed them. We started in Sierra Leone, partnering with Forum of Conscience (FOC), a local NGO that has been working in Human Rights since before the war.
Over the last year, the executive director of FOC, John Caulker has been helping shape an amazing grassroots peace process among the most under-represented communities of the country. John’s vision is one of a durable peace that emanates from the most fundamental level—the relationships between people. Through a process that encourages communities to create a safe space for perpetrators and victims to apologize and forgive, Fambul Tok has shown amazing results. Once you put the focus on letting communities determine how they want to restore relationships between their members, progress begins. And progress, in these terms, means development. It means communities addressing the underlying tensions left unresolved and binding together to improve their livelihoods. It means fixing roads, planting farms, and building structures that have lain in ruin since the war. Play31 has been a proud partner in one aspect of this remarkable process—providing support for football games that are now used as part of community followup to the reconciliation ceremonies.
The one year anniversary of Fambul Tok’s work was recently held in Bomaru in Kailahun District on March 17th. It was also in Bomaru that the first shot of the war was fired as rebels spilled across the border from neighboring Liberia in 1991. Having this dual significance, the ceremony attracted hundreds of participants from the surrounding area, many of whom have felt the impact of Fambul Tok in their own villages.
One part of the program was a football match between local players using equipment donated by Play31. It reminded everyone of the unifying power of sport and competition– a clear expression of the fundamental mission of Play31. We’re proud of how we have been able to support such an amazing process.
What started out as a simple idea has now transformed into a bigger question. How can Play31 work around the world to provide support for similar, grassroots peace movements? We are excited about the possibilities and hope you can help us continue to turn this vision into a reality.
Eric Becker, Creative Director, Play31
Photos courtesy Henry Jacobson, All Rights Reserved
April 24th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
I really like this project! Are you only working in Sierra Leone?
April 24th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Awesome work you guys!!
April 27th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
We’re getting requests for jerseys. We should sell them to raise funds.