Sports are a great way to channel messages. Organizers of Peace Day events throughout the world have well understood the power of collective games for reconciliation purposes. This is one of the reasons why Gua Africa will organize a soccer game in Nairobi on Peace Day (21 September). 

Gua's very name means "peace" in Nuer. It finds its motivation in the inspiring work of its founder, ex-child soldier now recording artist, Emmanuel Jal. Its year long activities focus on helping people overcoming the consequences of war. It notably does so by supporting projects facilitating the education of individuals affected by war in Kenya and South Sudan. 

On Peace day, however, its trademark activity is to organize a game bringing people together, and creating an opportunity for fun and gathering. In 2010, while tension was growing in the state of Unity, with cattle rustling and sporadic violence erupting due to the looming independence referendum (January 2011), Gua organized a game to which the whole community of Leer was invited.

In 2012, Gua was prompt to become a member of the Global Truce NGO Coalition - initiated by Peace One Day,and coordinated by Interpeace - and to plan its ritual soccer game. This year, however, security constraints forced Gua to move its soccer game to Nairobi. The two rival teams will be composed of South Sudanese refugees who have moved to the Kenyan capital. Their participation is fundamental. A representative of the NGO tells The Global Journal that if the celebration is meant to be a day of fun and gathering, it is also a way for Gua to gather supporters of peace in South Sudan: this platform exists "to allow people to show their support for peace in their homeland." For this reason, Gua will document and broadcast the event for the South Sudanese in South Sudan.  

Picture © Gua Africa  - from Peace Day 2010

Interpeace is a leading international non-profit organization dedicated to building lasting peace in post-conflict societies.

 Peace One Day is an international non-profit organization with the objective to raise awareness of the International Day of Peace that occurs on the 21 September each year by promoting a Global Truce.