EU, Germany hand over rehabilitated sports playground in Terekeka

The European Union and the German government have handed over a rehabilitated community sports playground in Terekeka County, Central Equatoria State.

The facility was officially handed over to the county government and local community on Thursday, August 27, following a visit by the EU Ambassador to South Sudan, Pelle Enarsson, and Germany’s Deputy Head of Mission, Nicole Hoffmann.

The delegation also included representatives of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, GIZ.

During the visit, the delegation met with Terekeka County Commissioner, Dr. Emmanuel Loku, county officials and members of the local community.

The discussions focused on cooperation with the county government and ongoing Sport for Development activities aimed at providing young people with opportunities to engage in sports, develop skills and promote peaceful and inclusive communities.

The rehabilitation of the playground was jointly funded by the European Union and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

The upgraded facility is intended to provide a safe and inclusive space for young people to interact, strengthen social ties and promote peaceful coexistence, inclusion and gender equality.

Terekeka County Commissioner, Dr. Emmanuel Loku, welcomed the rehabilitation, saying the playground could help promote peace and unity among communities.

“This is the best playground in Terekeka. With the new coaches and the rehabilitated playground, football promotes peace just as the church promotes peace. We want to shift from a cattle community to a football community.”

Germany’s Deputy Head of Mission, Nicole Hoffmann, said football can bring people together and help young people develop skills needed in society.

“For me, football is what really brings a community together. Football speaks to everyone, everywhere. It is an event, an activity and a social space which also creates bridges around the world.”

EU Ambassador Pelle Enarsson said the facility represents more than just a sports ground, describing the young people involved as champions of peace in their communities.

“Today we hand over this sports field, just one piece of land, but an important one. Yet the real prize is all of you here. Through this work you have become coaches of inclusive sport and of peace, and you will be the champions in your own community.”