Sport for All as a Source of Hope and Transformation

Maha is a 17-year-old separated child from Eritrea. Maha lives with her 16- and 11-year-old siblings alone in Cairo. As the eldest sibling, Maha was forced to take on responsibilities far beyond her age. While still a child herself, she became the primary caregiver for her younger brothers, ensuring their daily needs were met and while also caring for their psychosocial wellbeing at a time where she herself is craving the care and support of an adult caregiver. Much of her time and energy became focused on survival, caregiving, and managing family responsibilities. As a result, opportunities to experience childhood, build friendships, and engage in recreational activities became increasingly limited for Maha.

Maha says, “I used to spend my time sitting at home, lacking social connections and scared to go out. However, once I joined the Unaccompanied Youth Bridging Program with my younger siblings, I got a chance to meet new people. I also got the opportunity to join the Sports for All sessions through my friend. I accompanied my friend to the field by coincidence, and I was lucky enough to join the sports activities. Previously, I had a big love for sport; I used to play football and volleyball in Sudan, and I never expected or imagined that I would get this chance in Egypt.”

Recognizing the immense pressure Maha was carrying, her caseworker encouraged Maha and her brother to join the SCCF Sport for All project on an ongoing basis. The objective was not only to provide recreational activities but also to create a safe and supportive environment where they could strengthen their psychosocial wellbeing, connect with peers, and experience a sense of stability.

From the very beginning, Maha embraced the opportunity. Through the Sport for All approach – which ensures that everyone participates, learns through play, and benefits from activities adapted to different abilities and needs – Maha gradually began to shift her focus from the burdens she carried to new possibilities for growth, connection, and enjoyment.

What started as participation, soon became genuine passion. Maha consistently attended activities and went on to participate in three consecutive sports cycles. Her enthusiasm was evident to everyone involved. She was often the first participant to arrive at the field, sometimes even before the animators had arrived and preparations had begun. Her eagerness reflected how much the activities had come to mean to her and how strongly she valued the opportunity to play, learn, and connect with others.

Through ultimate frisbee, handball, and volleyball, Maha discovered more than just sports. She developed friendships with children her age, expanding her social network and strengthening her sense of belonging. The relationships built during the sessions extended beyond the activities themselves, as participants frequently spent time together before and after the animation sessions, sharing conversations, laughter, and support. For Maha, these friendships became an important source of encouragement and connection.

Learning through play was an important aspect during her journey of development and growth. Through teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and shared challenges on the field, Maha was able to develop confidence and leadership skills in a natural and enjoyable environment. The sports activities provided a healthy outlet for emotional expression and stress relief while allowing her to experience moments of joy and freedom that had been largely absent from her daily life.

Maha says, “My experience of joining sport was so good. I used to go to the field with my brother, when I arrived at the field, I was feeling fresh and happy. My relationship with my friend Furtuna became stronger because of the sport, and we became close friends and also got to know new people. I used to come to the house from the sports refreshed and with renewed energy.”

Over time, animators observed noticeable changes in Maha’s behavior and engagement. She became increasingly confident, enthusiastic, and active during sessions. She communicated openly with teammates, encouraged others, and demonstrated strong teamwork and cooperation. Her commitment, positive attitude, and willingness to participate made her a valued member of the group.

Maha’s story demonstrates the transformative power of inclusive sport. While she continues to carry significant responsibilities as the primary caregiver for her siblings, the SCCF Sport for All program has provided her with something equally important: the opportunity to rediscover parts of her childhood, build meaningful friendships, strengthen her resilience, and develop hope for the future. Through sport, Maha found not only a place to play, but a community where she could belong, grow, and simply be a child again.