The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Festival recently took place in Goma, in the North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This event, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), brought together young players from seven neighboring refugee camps, with the aim of promoting peace and social inclusion.
CAF Secretary General, Véron Mosengo-Omba, stressed that this festival aimed to bring hope to refugee children living in difficult conditions. Using football as a means of bringing people together, the event aimed to draw the attention of the international community to the situation of children in refugee camps in eastern DRC.
A football tournament was organized for young boys and girls aged under 12, allowing football fans to communicate with children and advocate for peace, social cohesion and peaceful cohabitation. In addition to sporting activities, CAF also plans to train educators and coaches in basic football techniques and build a dedicated youth football field.
This CAF initiative illustrates the importance of sport in promoting peace and social inclusion. By using football as an integration tool, refugee children were able to express their passion for this universal sport and establish links with other young players. In addition to providing moments of joy and entertainment, the festival also raised public awareness about the situation of refugees and the need to provide them with opportunities to thrive.
By highlighting this event in their communication, CAF and the festival organizers are helping to raise public awareness of the cause of refugees and to promote the idea that sport can play a key role in building a better world. and more inclusive.
In conclusion, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Festival in Goma was a success on a sporting level, but also in terms of raising awareness of the situation of refugees. Using football as a means of bringing people together, this event highlighted the importance of peace, social cohesion and inclusion. Let us hope that more initiatives of this type will take place in the future, in order to promote solidarity and respect between people.