"We were all inspired by her energy and participation."
Play for Peace was invited by Plan International to conduct Play for Peace training in South Sudan by our trainers Swati and Agyat. During their visit to the country, they led workshops and Practice Peace Sessions. At an activity in an Internally Displaced Population (IDP) camp in Mingkaman, Awerial they worked at a camp that was a shelter for the Dinka Tribe who had escaped from Bor across the Nile River to survive the ongoing conflict between two dominant tribes of South Sudan. During the training, they noticed a young girl, Aluel*, who had lost her one leg during the conflict and walked with the aid of a stick.
When she saw Swati and Agyat begin playing with the other kids, she began smiling and eventually joined the circle. Immediately, the South Sudanese trainees understood that Play for Peace was about #CompassionInAction and inviting everyone to join in. Aluel was as active as other children; she participated enthusiastically. At first, the kids in the circle thought she wouldn't be able to participate with only one leg. Trainers reminded the group about 'inclusion,' one of the Play for Peace core values, and created a space for Aluel to participate fully.
When the trainers modified a tag game called 'Tom & Jerry' to give everyone a level playing field by creating a rule where everyone had to run on one leg, the South Sudanese trainees said they had an 'aha' moment. Aluel was so engaged in the Practice Peace Session that not only did she play all of the activities, but she also took meticulous notes, wanting to record every word that was written as well as all of the games and rules. Aluel gained new confidence and a safe space to play and be fully included. South Sudan and Play for Peace gained a new emerging leader for peace.
