Learning Peace Through Play: Sports4Peace Trains 65 Animators in Rwanda 2026
65 Sports4Peace Animators trained
SPORTS4PEACE NEWS
8/18/20261 min read
How can games help children and young people learn to work together, respect one another and resolve conflict peacefully? This is the approach behind Sports4Peace, which trained 65 animators in Kigali and Cyangugu, Rwanda, in 2026.
The training brought together local partners, including the Focolare community, CECYDAR in Kigali and the Diocese of Cyangugu in Rusizi District, to strengthen the use of games as a tool for peace education.
From learning to practice
At the Centre d’Accueil Bon Espérance in Kigali, 35 participants attended a six-day workshop. A further 30 animators took part in a two-day mini-workshop at the Centre Diocésain de Pastorale Incuti in Cyangugu on 7–8 August 2026.
The training approach combined practical activities with reflection. Rather than relying on lectures alone, participants explored how games can encourage teamwork, empathy, cooperation and non-violent approaches to conflict. The philosophy of Ubuntu, the understanding that our lives are connected to one another, was also part of the learning.
Child safeguarding was another important element of the wider training programme, addressing the responsibility of adults to create safe environments for children and young people.
Taking the learning into communities
Sports4Peace puts learning into practice by equipping animators to facilitate games and guide participants in reflecting on the values behind them. In Rwanda, four game festivals were held, with trained participants leading activities for children, teenagers and young people.
Sports4Peace creates opportunities for peacebuilding to move beyond discussion and into everyday interactions, on the playing field, in learning spaces and within communities.
Connect with our projects
Project Office of the Focolare Movement in Eastern Africa
info@fonafrica.org
+254-180-817-923
© 2026 Project Office of the Focolare Movement in Eastern Africa - Focolare NewHumanity Africa. All rights reserved.
Mariapolis Piero, Kenyatta Road off Thika Highway Exit 14
P.O. Box 552 - 01001 Kalimoni Juja
Our Affiliations
New Humanity of the Focolare Movement
Focolare Movement (International Website)
Legal: Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions