PeacePlayers International
WISH LIST: $100: purchases 4 basketballs; $250: helps fund transportation to tournaments in Northern Ireland; $1000: buys HIV/AIDS training manuals for the entire South African staff
Children who play together can learn to live together – a simple concept that goes unrealized in conflict-ridden communities where segregation, suspicion, and violence rule. Introduce a basketball and caring coaches to middle school youth, and things begin to change. PeacePlayers International operates in divided regions in Northern Ireland, the Middle East, South Africa, and Cyprus, introducing over 45,000 children to the love of the game and, most importantly, to respect for one another – easing racial and religious hatred and educating young children in desolate environments to live healthy lives. League play, tournaments, and camps integrate the program into everyday life. Students play on mixed teams, learning to rely on, not suspect, their teammates. They also learn to lead, and become mentors to the next group of younger participants. PeacePlayers has opened its first domestic program in New Orleans, giving youth affected by Katrina an afterschool and weekend outlet, and providing anti-gang and anti-drug education. Now others have taken notice and asked for training programs and curriculum development. A simple idea is catching on.
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Brendan Tuohey Executive Director |
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