Context
Since 2011, the war in Syria and the rise of terrorist militia have driven millions from their homes. By mid-2016, more than 655,000 Syrian refugees were officially registered in Jordan, while estimates believe there are more than twice that number. Iraq has taken in around 200,000 refugees in the last 10 years and has more than three million internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Refugees mostly live in host communities. In some cities, rising refugee numbers are an added burden and present enormous challenges, for example, access to basic services and healthcare. Tailored psychosocial support, education and leisure activities have become vital to help ease the resulting tensions. Traumatised people, children, and young people, in particular, require professional guidance and support. Many local authorities and schools have reached their limits, with teaching staff working a double-shift system to cope.
Objective
In Iraqi and Jordanian refugee camps and host communities, internally displaced persons, refugees and local people aged between eight and 24 are building resilience, improving mental health and promoting social values in a safe environment by engaging in sporting activities together.
