Fútbol Más Foundation and IOM begin a project for the integration of Venezuelan migrants into Peru

"I like football and as I am new in this neighborhood it has helped me to feel welcome and make friends," says Fabiana, a Venezuelan girl who moved with her family looking for new horizons. This family decision to move has marked her life because of the challenge that integrating into a new country poses. 

Fabiana's reality is similar to that of the many other Venezuelan children and teenagers that are also migrants in different parts of Latin America. Taking into account this context, Fútbol Más Foundation has just started a project in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which seeks to promote the wellbeing and integration of youth between 6 and 18 years old through socio-sportive activities. 150 boys, girls and teens are part of the project “El Balón No Tiene Banderas” (The Ball Has No Flags). This is achieved by conducting community meetings and strengthening social capital using football as a tool for bonding and integration.

Fútbol Más, a non-profit organisation, emerged in Chile in 2007 and is currently working in Chile, Ecuador, France, Haiti, Kenya, Mexico, Paraguay and Peru. It uses sport and games as a tool in adverse contexts, to strengthen social processes through the correct use of public spaces, to promote community belonging and participation, to improve the physical and mental health of young people and to advocate for gender equality, a culture of peace and children's rights.

"For the next six months, the project will be implemented in two districts of Lima which have a high population of refugees and migrants, strengthening resilience processes, significant links and community cohesion between Peruvian and Venezuelan families through sport," says Jimena Chavez, social director of Fútbol Más Foundation. "Boys and girls are finding a safe space in the socio-sportive activities, where they can integrate themselves into the community and share with other children in their new neighborhood.”

On 24 August the project was launched. Families from both nationalities and members of the management team participated to kick-start the socio-sportive workshops and meetings, the leader courses and the intercultural festival that will benefit the communities through the commitment to a protected and inclusive childhood.

The #ElBalónNoTieneBanderas project is part of a campaign for integration and solidarity between Peruvians and Venezuelans. #TuCausaEsMiCausa is a campaign implemented by the United Nations System in Peru, with the leadership of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).