Implemented by War Child Alliance
Phase I: September 2023 – January 2024
Phase II: April 2025 – October 2025
The Peace of Mind Foundation believes in the power of sports-based approaches to improve mental health and promote resilience. With this in mind, we decided to pilot a new methodology and facilitate its first-ever implementation. By leveraging the potential of football to teach life skills and strengthen communities, we took the lead in integrating this innovative approach into our work, focusing on addressing the psychosocial needs of children affected by conflict.
The War Child FC methodology is designed to help conflict-affected children develop six key competencies: identity and self-awareness, brain development, emotional regulation, positive social skills, conflict resolution, and perseverance for the future. These competencies are carefully integrated into every football session, ensuring that each child not only improves their physical abilities but also gains vital psychological and social skills.
In the project titled “Improving the psychosocial well-being of conflict-affected children in Bamingui-Bangoran Prefecture”, our partner War Child UK implemented the new methodology over a six-month period. The project reached more than 200 children directly through 20 weekly football sessions led by locally trained coaches. The football sessions were structured to foster emotional resilience, enhance social interactions, and help the children build a positive sense of identity.
The impact on the children was profound. Over 90% of participants, who came from backgrounds of conflict, displacement, and vulnerability, reported significant improvements in their emotional regulation, conflict resolution abilities, and overall social skills. Through the sessions, children developed a better understanding of their emotions, learned practical strategies to manage anger, and gained self-confidence through structured play. Many reported feeling a stronger sense of belonging and connection with their peers, which helped to create new networks of support and social cohesion in their communities.
As part of the final phase of the project, a football tournament named “War Child – Espoir” was organized, celebrating the resilience and strength of the children. This event reinforced the lessons learned throughout the sessions, providing a space for children to showcase their skills and the personal growth they had achieved. Beyond the immediate physical and psychological benefits, the project helped children create lasting positive memories in a region still heavily affected by conflict.
One child shared how the training impacted their behavior, saying, “The exercises have made us more alert and disciplined than before. We learned good things that prevent us from fighting as much as we used to.” Another reflected on the emotional growth they experienced, “Before the training, I would get angry at the smallest thing and refuse to eat. After the lessons, I learned to avoid those bad behaviors.”
Through this innovative approach, it became evident that football can be much more than just a game — it can serve as a powerful tool for healing, community building, and fostering peace among children who have experienced the devastating effects of conflict.
Peace of Mind Foundation is deeply honored to have facilitated the pilot of this impactful initiative, which not only addresses the immediate mental health needs of children but also equips them with essential emotional and social skills that will support their resilience and personal growth well into the future.