The Necessary Aid Alliance (NAA), a nonprofit organization, has donated two footballs to the Upper West Regional Directorate of the Department of Gender in a gesture aimed at enhancing the rehabilitation and well-being of survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
This donation is intended to support recreational activities at the Centre for SGBV, where survivors are housed for protection and rehabilitation.
The footballs were officially handed over by Ms. Shazia-Ahmed Ismail, a project lead at NAA, in the company of her colleagues.
On behalf of the Department of Gender, Mr. Mashood Djabeng received the donation, representing the Regional Director, Madam Charity Batuure.
Speaking at the brief ceremony, Ms. Shazia-Ahmed Ismail emphasized the importance of recreational activities in the healing and rehabilitation process for SGBV survivors.
She said the footballs would enable victims of SGBV at the centre to engage in sports and recreational activities to help them exercise for physical fitness and alleviate their traumatizing moments.
“At Necessary Aid Alliance, we understand that recovery is not just about physical safety but also about emotional and psychological healing. So, it [the football] is something that will go a long way to help them emotionally, psychologically, physically, and all.”
She indicated that sports and recreational activities can play a crucial role in restoring a sense of normalcy, building confidence, and fostering community among survivors.
“People who have gone through trauma and have found solace in sporting activities, it is a good thing. Once you are in the whole art of the sports, games, it keeps your mind away from certain things that are traumatizing and eventually it [trauma] fades away,” she stated.
Ms. Ismail noted that the donation was in response to a request made by the Department of Gender to the Board Chair of the NAA, overseas, when he last visited the region.
Mr. Mashood Djabeng, receiving the footballs, expressed profound gratitude to NAA for their timely support.
“This donation will go a long way in enhancing the recreational activities at our centre. The footballs will help bring joy and excitement to survivors, helping them to heal and rebuild their lives.
“We appreciate the Necessary Aid Alliance for their unwavering support and commitment to the well-being of SGBV survivors,” Mr. Djabeng remarked.
The Centre for Sexual and Gender-based Violence in the Upper West Region provides a haven for survivors, offering them protection, counseling, and rehabilitation services.
Recreational activities, including sports, are integral to the holistic approach adopted by the centre to aid in the survivors’ recovery and reintegration into society.
Necessary Aid Alliance, based in the Upper West Region, thrives to canvass educational support for rural children, promote gender equality, foster girl-child empowerment, stimulate skills training for women in rural communities, and provide support for vulnerable groups.
