Growing up in conflict-affected regions or communities with significant adversity has a profound effect on young people. Right To Play's approach emphasizes the transformative power of play in nurturing psychosocial resilience and providing emotional stability in children’s lives. Through the Sport for Development program, we partner with dedicated coaches and educators to create safe, playful environments where children can learn, build friendships, and develop coping mechanisms.

“Play is not just about fun, it’s a way to heal, to learn, and to express emotions we may not be able to put into words.”  - Racha Nasreddine

 The Sport for Development program is geared towards equipping children with essential life skills. The program’s impact extends beyond individual children to the wider community, strengthening the support systems for caregivers, teachers, and parents. By building a solid base of psychosocial support, the Sport for Development program empowers entire communities, helping break cycles of trauma and fostering healthier, more resilient societies.

 Lebanon is currently facing severe turmoil, with ongoing bombings impacting communities across the region. In these trying times, humanitarian aid and support are more essential than ever. Despite the difficult situation, our team is determined to continue our vital work on the ground.

Right To Play has resumed its play and sports projects in Lebanon, recognizing that the conflict has deeply impacted the lives of many children, who are now dealing with trauma, instability, and constant fear. We responded by adapting programs to provide essential support, prioritizing basic needs like food and winter clothing to ensure children are physically cared for before beginning any psychosocial activities. "We can’t run play sessions with children who haven’t eaten or are shivering from the cold," explains Nasreddine. Racha Nasreddine is the director of Right To Play Lebanon, she describes the impact of the conflict on children’s behavior:

“They are fearful, often clinging to their parents and experiencing emotional outbursts” 

To address this, we adjusted the activities by allowing parents to join sessions, providing comfort and a sense of security for the children. Over the coming weeks, the activities will gradually transition back, with role-playing exercises that help children process their experiences and understand their emotions in a safe environment.

In times of crisis, programs like Sport for Development become lifelines for children who face unimaginable hardships. Every child, no matter where they are, deserves the opportunity to feel safe, to play and to heal.

Sport for Development empowers youth to create lasting change in their communities through the power of sports and play. This program, funded by the Dutch government, is a powerful initiative aimed at contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and cultivating meaningful youth engagement and social impact on a global scale.

 
For over 20 years, the program supports a world where children and young adults actively contribute to vital communities. This not only promotes healthier lifestyles through sports and play, but also improves access to formal and informal education, gender equality, women's participation, employability and entrepreneurship. Sport for Development creates safe spaces for youth to explore and embrace their authentic selves.