 has launched a football and Athlete interschool tournament for 26 Primary Schools in Central Equatoria State.){kind=link}
By: Ginaba Lino
Japan’s International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has launched a football and Athlete interschool tournament for 26 Primary Schools in Central Equatoria State.
The aim of the donation and launching of the tournament is to promote the development of sports and physical education in public primary schools and support sports for peace and social cohesion.
Speaking during the handing over ceremony of the sports items donated by Maebashi City of Japan, Mr. Takayama Naoto says JICA and Maebashi City have developed a relationship in supporting South Sudan by offering sports equipment and some opportunities.
Takayama calls on the school management to make good use of the equipment to realize a tangible benefit.
He appeals to the competing schools to take the opportunity of the tournament in a positive interaction for the rest to follow in their footsteps.
“After this, six schools will kick off a sports tournament to start interschool competitions and we hope the competing schools to take this opportunity in a positive interaction so that the rest will follow your footsteps.”
The Japanese representative reiterates JICA’s support to young South Sudanese as the future of the Country is in their hands, encouraging the pupils to prioritize social cohesion through education including sports and physical education.
Naoto appreciates the combined efforts of the National Ministry and State Ministry of General Education and Instruction, the head teachers of the competing, Pupils, parents, and the local football associations who have made the kickoff tournament successful.
The Director General for basic and secondary education David Lowela Ladu says the commitment of JICA to improving the learning environment and promoting health, and hygiene in schools is unwavering.
Lowela States that with the donation of the sports items, the learners will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful physical activities enhancing not only their fitness but also their mental well-being.
The Director General for Basic and Secondary describes the handover of the donation as a true testament to the strong partnership between JICA and the Ministry of General Education and Instructions.
He urges the school administration to take full responsibility for the donated sports items and ensure that the sports equipment is for promoting active learning.
JICA in collaboration with the Ministry of General Education and Instruction and the Ministry of Youth and Sports has been conducting technical cooperation for the project for Youth Empowerment through Sports for Peace Promotion since 2019.
JICA hands over 260 footballs contributed by Citizens of Maebashi city of Japan to 26 public primary schools in Juba, hand wash facilities, among others.
Both Athletes and football Tournaments will start on February 12, 2025, where Athletes will run for three days, while football will run for six days.