International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2025 in the Kenya and Somalia borderlands

For International Day of Sport for Development and Peace annually celebrated on 6 April, a real example on how sport promotes social cohesion in the Kenya and Somalia borderlands

In 2025, AVSI is implementing a cross-border initiative in the border regions of Kenya and Somalia, particularly in Dadaab and Dhobley, to foster peace through sports, education, and community engagement.

As part of the Prevention of Youth Radicalization in the Cross-Border Area of Kenya and Somalia project, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, AVSI is using structured sports activities to create safe spaces where young people from diverse backgrounds can interact positively, breaking down barriers and reducing intercommunal tensions. 

Sports and cultural events have long proven to be effective in bringing communities together. Within this initiative, football pitches in Kenya and Somalia will be rehabilitated, and cross-community tournaments involving 500 young people will be organized. Additionally, a public festival featuring cultural and social activities will bring together families from different backgrounds, reinforcing social cohesion and shared experiences. By promoting structured and inclusive activities, young people are encouraged to build friendships, mutual understanding, and a sense of belonging, helping to prevent radicalization and conflict. 

The borderlands between Kenya and Somalia have faced longstanding security challenges due to historical conflicts, forced displacement, and the presence of extremist groups. A World Bank report highlights the crucial role of youth in peacebuilding, emphasizing the need for access to basic services, skills development, and meaningful participation in governance. A youth-led approach is essential, especially in addressing the unique needs of young women. 

By tackling these underlying issues, AVSI’s initiative creates opportunities for young people to become active contributors to peace in their communities. 

While sports provide an entry point for community engagement, the project extends its impact by strengthening the education system. Cultural and heritage materials will be provided to 10 schools, allowing students to explore shared traditions and histories, while 22 school administrators and teachers in Dadaab will undergo training to improve education management. Additionally, 50 teachers will receive education kits to enhance their teaching capacity. 

Strengthening school management and teacher training not only increases student engagement and reduces dropout rates but also enhances the prospects of former refugees reintegrating into their communities with employable skills, reducing their vulnerability to extremist influences. 

Since 2015, AVSI has collaborated with the Kenya Scouts Association to engage students in scouting programs that promote education, food security, and environmental conservation. In 2025, as part of this initiative, AVSI will train 60 boy and girl scouts in peacebuilding and mediation, equipping them with the skills to serve as conflict mediators in their communities.

These scouts will work alongside 60 Parents Teachers Association chairpersons and 1,000 parents to facilitate dialogue sessions addressing community conflicts. Additionally, AVSI will organize three dialogue forums with local representatives to promote peaceful resolutions to disputes. Additionally, AVSI will organize three dialogue forums with local representatives to promote peaceful resolutions to disputes. This community-driven approach ensures that peacebuilding efforts extend beyond youth activities and become embedded in local governance and educational structures. 

On International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2025, themed “Levelling the Playing Field: Sport for Social Inclusion,” AVSI aligns with global efforts to harness the power of sports in promoting dialogue and peacebuilding. By integrating sports into this initiative, AVSI underscores the role of structured, inclusive activities in fostering cooperation and reducing conflict among youth in vulnerable communities. 

Through strategic partnerships with local governments, educational institutions, and community organizations, AVSI is working to ensure that peacebuilding efforts are sustainable and deeply rooted in the regions of Dadaab and Dhobley, paving the way for a more peaceful and inclusive future.