The Catholic Diocese of Yola has commenced sports and cultural competitions for internally displaced persons across 12 camps in the North-East as part of efforts to promote psychosocial healing, social cohesion and community recovery among victims of insurgency.
The initiative, organised under the leadership of Bishop Dami Mamza and supported by Mission Take Heart Nigeria, began on Sunday across the camps.
Speaking with Arewa on Monday, the Nigeria Director of Mission Take Heart, Rev. Fr. Maurice Kwaranga, said the programme was made possible through support from missionary organisations based in the United States.
According to him, the activities are designed to restore hope, improve emotional wellbeing and provide opportunities for displaced persons to rebuild their lives after years of conflict and displacement.
“A renewed sense of optimism is emerging across the 12 internally displaced persons camps as summer activities officially commence, marking a significant step toward restoring stability and emotional wellbeing for thousands of families uprooted by conflict,” Kwaranga said.
He explained that beyond recreation, the programme places strong emphasis on psychosocial support and informal education as essential components of community recovery.
Kwaranga noted that the initiative would provide safe spaces where children, youths and adults could express themselves freely, develop resilience and acquire practical skills needed for long-term recovery.
“The summer programme places psychosocial support and informal education at the heart of community recovery. It is designed to help residents rebuild confidence and regain a sense of normalcy.
“The initiative offers safe spaces where children and adults can express themselves, strengthen emotional resilience and acquire practical skills essential for long-term recovery,” he said.
According to him, participants will engage in group counselling sessions, creative workshops and learning circles aimed at helping them reconnect with their peers and restore routines disrupted by displacement.
The cleric said sports and cultural activities remain effective tools for promoting healing and unity in communities affected by conflict.
“Football matches, relay races and traditional dance competitions provide healthy outlets for stress relief while reinforcing teamwork and social cohesion,” he said.
He added that the programme would also help preserve cultural heritage and strengthen community bonds among displaced populations.
“These activities celebrate cultural identity, which humanitarian workers regard as critical to emotional recovery. By reclaiming traditions through dance and music, residents strengthen their sense of belonging and collective resilience,” Kwaranga stated.
The Mission Take Heart director further attributed the success of the programme to strategic partnerships and sustained humanitarian support.
He said Mission Take Heart’s sponsorship had ensured the provision of psychosocial services, educational materials and recreational resources across all 12 camps participating in the initiative.
“Their involvement underscores the importance of sustained partnerships in restoring dignity, stability and hope for displaced families,” he added.
Arewa reports that the North-East has witnessed prolonged humanitarian challenges arising from insurgency, with thousands of residents displaced from their communities and forced to seek refuge in camps across the region.
Stakeholders have increasingly emphasised the need for psychosocial support and community-based interventions to complement ongoing humanitarian assistance and facilitate long-term recovery for affected populations.