Upper Nile Sports Academy continues to use its influence to be a peace ambassador and to develop programs aimed at ‘bridging divides’. This concept focuses on using sports to harness talents, education to create awareness, psycho-social support to build resilience, and vocational training to provide skills and improve livelihoods. To offer an optimal condition for development, UNSA continues to use various strategies.
OUR PROGRAMS
The academy strives to use sports to bring together communities in Bentiu and its environs, salvage the situation in Greater Upper Nile which has seen a rise in the population of orphaned and homeless children, provide a place for the displaced youth, promote interaction and cohesion, build character and identity, initiate conversations and dialogue, and provide an opportunity to harness the talents of the young men and women. The academy provides children between the ages of 4 to 18 a chance to play football and volleyball which are currently the predominant games.
The organized structure of our team categories and annual games aims at creating inclusivity and balance between playing and learning as we continue to foster peace through sports.
Education in emergencies has been a vital tool in providing a lifeline to the hundreds of children whose hope of going through school seemed shuttered. We continue to provide this essential need as we work to protect and preserve their right to education. We currently rely fully on volunteer teachers who dedicate their time to teach the children in both nursery and primary school levels. The classes which for a long time have been conducted under trees are currently conducted in three plastic roofed shelters to shield the children from the dangerous sun rays. UNSA plans to put in place a secondary school by the beginning of 2021 to facilitate a smooth transition of children from primary to secondary school
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by the civil war is a major issue experienced in children enrolled in Upper Nile Sports Academy. Looking at the vulnerability of these children most of who have no families to turn to, UNSA through the support of psychological professionals offers psycho-social support programs to instill hope, to provide them with a sense of belonging, and to enhance their wellbeing. The support is offered through:
a) Child Friendly Spaces (CFS)
The academy provides a safe environment for the affected children with integrated programs including play, recreation, education, and health.
b) Youth
UNSA ensures all-rounded support for the affected youth who were exposed to violence or directly engaged in the civil war as child soldiers. We use specific approaches which include trainings on conflict resolution, life skills and problem-solving skills, organizational-focused prevention programs, peer programs aimed at strengthening relationships, and mentoring. This continued support has impacted in reduced negative aggression of violent behaviour as the youth make peace with their past and those around them.
a) Child Friendly Spaces (CFS)
The academy provides a safe environment for the affected children with integrated programs including play, recreation, education, and health.
b) Youth
UNSA ensures all-rounded support for the affected youth who were exposed to violence or directly engaged in the civil war as child soldiers. We use specific approaches which include trainings on conflict resolution, life skills and problem-solving skills, organizational-focused prevention programs, peer programs aimed at strengthening relationships, and mentoring. This continued support has impacted in reduced negative aggression of violent behaviour as the youth make peace with their past and those around them.
These are programs offered by Upper Nile Sports Academy intended at building a solid foundation for sustainable development and improved community livelihoods through nurturing skills. The programs include:
a) Computer Training
To bridge the digital divide after years wasted in war, UNSA provides computer training and digital literacy programs to help enhance the overall digital literacy and to introduce the youth to technology. We offer computer basics courses, computer packages, and computer-aided design programs.
b) Driving School
As part of its programs aimed at developing wholesome communities, UNSA ensures that its youth move at the pace of the rest of the world by enabling them to sit behind the wheels as they steer their way out of oblivion.
c) Fine Art & Design
The mind-blowing concepts brought to life by the young boys and girls through art and design can only be described in the words of the greatest marathon runner of all time, Eliud Kipchoge who said, ‘No man is limited.’
a) Computer Training
To bridge the digital divide after years wasted in war, UNSA provides computer training and digital literacy programs to help enhance the overall digital literacy and to introduce the youth to technology. We offer computer basics courses, computer packages, and computer-aided design programs.
b) Driving School
As part of its programs aimed at developing wholesome communities, UNSA ensures that its youth move at the pace of the rest of the world by enabling them to sit behind the wheels as they steer their way out of oblivion.
c) Fine Art & Design
The mind-blowing concepts brought to life by the young boys and girls through art and design can only be described in the words of the greatest marathon runner of all time, Eliud Kipchoge who said, ‘No man is limited.’