In a community as diverse and dynamic as Kakuma, creating safe, empowering spaces for youth, especially girls, is not just necessary. It is urgent. Recently, the Nonviolent Communication (NVC) Kakuma team organized a girls’ soccer match that was more than just a game; it was a statement of purpose, unity, and transformation.
At its core, the initiative aims to tackle two pressing challenges: idleness among youth and the conflict triggered by early pregnancies, which often escalate into inter-community tensions. We've witnessed the tragic outcomes of such conflicts lives lost and communities torn apart all because of unresolved issues stemming from cross-community relationships. These situations demand a new approach, one that promotes dialogue over violence and connection over conflict.
That’s where NVC comes in. Through training and community engagement, we don’t just talk about peace. We live it. We’ve gone a step further by integrating Nonviolent Communication principles into soccer, using the sport as a tool to build empathy, connection, and cooperation among young people of different nationalities.
This recent girls’ game was a celebration of that vision. It brought together players, families, and supporters from various backgrounds in an environment that fostered respect, understanding, and joy. More importantly, it empowered girls to reclaim their space, stay focused on their goals, and resist the societal pressures that often lead to early pregnancy and lost potential.
By keeping our girls active, connected, and inspired, we protect their dreams, and in doing so, we plant seeds of peace for the entire community.
At NVC Kakuma, we believe peace starts with connection, and connection starts with communication. And sometimes, it starts on the football field.