Boru Boru brings children and communities together for protection and peace in Aweil

The campaign used Boru Boru, a traditional South Sudanese game, as a child-led platform to promote child protection, peaceful coexistence, inclusion, leadership, teamwork and psychosocial wellbeing among children from returnee and host communities.

Under the theme “Play for Protection, Unite for Peace,” eight primary schools participated in practice sessions, awareness activities, preliminary competitions, knockout matches and the grand finals. Throughout the campaign, child protection and peace messages were shared before, during and after matches, making Boru Boru more than a sporting competition.

A major highlight of the campaign was the participation of 16 trained Young Reporters, who used their voices to advocate for children’s rights and wellbeing. During the finals, children presented advocacy messages, poems and drama addressing important issues including child marriage, child protection and the role of children in promoting peaceful communities.
The campaign also brought culture and peacebuilding together. Luo and Dinka cultural groups performed during the finals, using traditional dance to promote messages of unity, coexistence and respect among communities.
Government representatives, community leaders and humanitarian partners attended the final event, strengthening collaboration around child protection and recognizing Boru Boru as an important platform for empowering children, particularly girls, through sport and meaningful participation.

The campaign reached over 7,000 children, youth and community members, exceeding the planned target of 6,168 people. St. Charles Primary School emerged as the overall champion, while Christ Mission Primary School finished as runner-up.
Beyond the competition, the campaign demonstrated that sport can provide children with a safe space to learn, build confidence, develop leadership skills and become active voices within their communities.

Boru Boru is more than a game. It is a platform where children can play, speak, lead and help build peaceful communities.