Psychosocial support on and off the pitch: War Child’s Football Club and BeThere in the Central African Republic

The first phase of this project saw the launch of War Child’s innovative Football Club - WCFC - which left a lasting impact on the lives of hundreds of children. Over six months, more than 200 children participated in weekly football sessions designed to build emotional resilience, teach social skills, and encourage personal growth.

Leveraging community knowledge and local culture, the project created spaces where children could begin to heal from the deep psychological wounds of conflict.

Now in phase two, we are building on this foundation by empowering children who participated in the first phase to become assistant coaches and peer mentors and lead the activities themselves.

60 alumni (30 boys and 30 girls) from the first phase were selected based on their experience, skills, and commitment to support the delivery of 20 planned WCFC sessions.

Monique is one of these young assistant coaches and has already supported 11 sessions.

"I have always dreamed of one day ... carry[ing] loud and clear the voice of children and women so that their rights are respected.

"I'm really proud to be selected as an assistant coach to help teach a club of 20 kids. Here I learned the sense of responsibility and how to be useful to others!”

Monique suffered the impact of armed conflict in the Central African Republic. She lost both her parents and was raised by her grandmother from a young age.

Since participating in the WCFC, Monique has become more resilient and confident. Under the mentorship of head coaches, she now leads other children in relaxation exercises.

Supporting young athletes to chase their dreams

In addition to the main objective of WCFC, which is to improve the emotional, psychological and social well-being of children, this intervention also allows participants to develop their skills in the field of football.

Thanks to this approach, six participants of the intervention were selected to play for the prefectural junior club.

A new phase for BeThere methodology

As well as WCFC, we are also providing BeThere sessions in this second phase to help create a more nurturing environment at home. BeThere promotes positive parenting practices and gives caregivers the tools to respond with empathy and support their children’s emotional needs.

Two hundred caregivers are currently participating in weekly BeThere sessions, including 132 women.

Our facilitators are proud to be able to provide support to caregivers impacted by armed conflict and help them on their journey to psychosocial recovery.

"We are extremely touched to realise that our work has helped them and that they have more serene relationships with their children and a more fulfilling family life."