Youths make a difference in Panyijar

Panyijar County, Unity State

11/19/2007

Transition from Civil War to normal life is still a problem in many parts of Southern Sudan. Schools are not yet vibrant forces in speeding up transition from war to peace. Community activities lack financial support and youth recreational facilities are very rare to come by. Moreover, sporting supplies are very scarce. However, armed with experience from their past safe havens in Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia youth in Southern Sudan are trying hard to make a difference in their localities.

Recently, a youth group from Panyijar County in Unity State, Southern Sudan found some way to help bring their community youth together for sporting activities.

Led by Thomas Tutbak Makuan Maar, a former Holy Cross-Black Eagles Football team member in Kakuma Refugee Camp- Kenya and Both Par, a former Nuer Boys team member from the same camp, the youth organized sports tournament. They helped the youths form 12 boys’ football teams and 6 volleyball teams for boys and girls.

According to Thomas Tutbak Makuan, “it has come to the best time of live in Panyijar County this month, a month we call togetherness month for youths of Panyijar County.” “For the first time in our history we are able to have a tournament in Panyijar County since the time immemorial,” he added. The league is aimed at “uniting the youth of Panyijar County.”

The winning football team and Volleyball teams will be rewarded with 1000 Sudanese Pounds ($ 500) and 500 Sudanese Pounds ($250) respectively. They hope that the tournament will help bring youths closer to work together to make a difference in their county. It is also their hope that the tournament will inspire their community members to work for other activities that will bring not only the youths but all community members together.

For comments about the tournament contact Thomas Tutbak Makuan Maar at tutbak@yahoo.com