World Refugee Day - 20 June 2021

This year, to mark World Refugee Day on 20 June 2021, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) calls for greater inclusion of refugees in health systems, schools and sport.

What better way to celebrate the achievements of the young people we have been working with in Shatila Refugee Camp in Beirut, Lebanon. Through their love of cricket and passion to learn, we have been working with young girls and boys to develop their youth sport leadership skills. Enabling them to lead activity sessions in their local community and become positive role models for their peers.

Maram Al-Khoder is 14 years old and lives in Shatila Refugee Camp, Beirut. Her family left their home in war torn Syria five years ago and travelled to Lebanon. Two years ago, Maram was introduced to the game of cricket at Shatila.

Cricket has affected my life in many different ways. Before cricket I didn’t go out and I didn’t have friends. Now I am a cricket player and a coach. I’m so happy I can do more sport. Now I’m a strong girl, I can do anything.

Maram Al-Khoder
Maram Al-Khoder

Maram is just one of the remarkable young people who has participated in our virtual training workshops with the assistance of the Alsama Project. If funding permits, we hope to continue to our work to develop the skills and confidence of more young people in the region so that they can have a brighter future.

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Published: 17 June 2021