Empowering the Young in Afghanistan through Sport

MAIN RESULTS:

• 60 youth gained access to organized sports as a safe and positive community
• Participants developed personal, social, and professional skills
• Youth gained role models, improved self-confidence, and new future opportunities
• The local community experienced stronger cohesion and reduced social isolation
• The project created a lasting youth community with local anchoring

HUMANITARIAN IMPACT:

The project provided youth in a conflict-affected province access to safe activities, educational opportunities, and community engagement. It strengthened their mental well-being, social relationships, and belief in their own abilities in a daily life marked by uncertainty.

Empowering the Young in Afghanistan through Sport

The project “Empowering the Young in Afghanistan through Sport” was implemented in Ghor Province from September 16, 2023, to September 15, 2024, with funding from CISU – Civil Society in Development. The aim was to create a safe, positive, and developmental environment for young people aged 14–18, growing up in an area marked by conflict, limited recreational opportunities, and very few options for personal and professional development. In many local communities, youth lacked structured communities, role models, and opportunities to learn new skills, and many experienced social isolation or uncertainty in their daily lives.

Rebuild Aid therefore developed a youth program combining sports, education, and cultural engagement. The program was implemented in close collaboration with our local partner, Saifrood Unity and Aid Organization (SUAO), which has experience in youth work and strong ties to the communities in Ghor. SUAO was responsible for the daily execution of activities, recruiting the 60 youth participants, and coordinating with local coaches, teachers, and communities.

The core of the project was organized football training, which served as a unifying element for the participants. Sports created a safe space where youth could strengthen their physical health, teamwork, discipline, and self-confidence. The training also provided structure and routines in a daily life without many fixed activities. At the same time, it offered opportunities to form new friendships and experience joy, belonging, and hope – elements often lacking for youth in vulnerable areas.

Alongside sports, participants received instruction in English and computer skills. These competencies are in demand in Afghanistan and provide youth with better opportunities for future education and employment. The training combined practical exercises, digital learning, and simple IT tools, enabling participants to acquire concrete skills they can build upon.

The project also included life-skills training, where participants learned about communication, problem-solving, collaboration, mental resilience, and conflict resolution. These skills are crucial in an environment where many youth live with stress, uncertainty, or limited future prospects. Through exercises, group work, and reflections, participants developed stronger self-awareness and greater agency.

Another important element was engaging youth in volunteer and cultural participation. They took part in local events, supported small initiatives in their towns, and engaged in social activities and community events. This fostered a sense of responsibility, ownership, and attachment to the local community – showing them that they can be a positive force for change.

The impact of the project was evident: youth were offered an alternative to isolation, and many developed both professional and personal skills. Participants reported feeling safer, more motivated, and better equipped to handle challenges in their lives. For several, this was the first time they participated in organized activities led by teachers and coaches. The local community also noted that the project strengthened cohesion, created calm and positive meeting spaces, and provided youth with a constructive direction in their daily lives.

“Empowering the Young in Afghanistan through Sport” demonstrates how a combination of sports, learning, and engagement can create significant positive effects for youth in a vulnerable area. The project has laid a solid foundation for future youth initiatives and shows that even small, targeted activities can create lasting change for those with the fewest opportunities.