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Alhalimun: “The Dreamers” – A Platform of Hope for Refugee Children in Egypt
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Does sport possess the transformative power to change the world and create a better future for all? This question reverberates throughout sports events, conferences, and summits; yet it beckons personal reflection. What do you believe? Does sport truly hold this power? In this article, I will answer this question through the lens of my experience with Alhalimun.

In May, 2019 during my volunteer work to support refugee communities in Leipzig while pursuing my postgraduate diploma in Sports Management. I was deeply inspired by the resilience, adaptability, and mutual motivation I witnessed among refugees as they navigated their paths toward a better life. A pivotal moment came to my life when I met Moustafa, a Palestinian young man raised in Germany. The fact that he didn't speak a word of Arabic didn't stop him from trying to be understood. The same went for his English and German. Moustafa gathered friends with refugee backgrounds for sports gatherings—one day they played volleyball, the next football. When I asked him about his motivation, he responded, “I know how everyone is suffering silently. I believe in the soft power of sport and how it can be a healing tool, helping everyone overcome the trauma of war and displacement.”

These powerful words catalyzed my reflections on my home country and the plight of refugees there, igniting a passion to support them through one of life's most valuable avenues—sport. Thus, my idea for my project, Alhalimun, was born. Operating under the umbrella of the International Olympic Committee throughput and Olympism 365 and IOC Young Leaders Programme and supported by Panasonic, Alhalimun aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3. Good Health and Well-being, 16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institution, and 17. Partnerships for the Goals.

On September 23, 2024, Alhalimun launched its inaugural phase—Train of the Trainers. Partnering with Leipzig University, Alhalimun delivered a comprehensive curriculum that expertly blended theoretical understanding with practical application. This phase attracted 25 trainers from 14 countries, including participants from Palestine, Algeria, Jordan, Argentina, India, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Germany, Kenya, Mozambique, Sudan, and Uganda, alongside 9 from several Egyptian cities with high concentrations of refugees. Over the course of 46 study hours, this diverse group came together with one purpose.

The culmination of this phase was the “Dream Beyond Borders” festival, which united 100 refugee and Egyptian children. For five intense days, we engaged in theoretical and practical workshops, each moment revealing the sheer joy of the children as they played, laughed, and formed friendships. Their smiles and eager inquiries about the next festival touched us deeply; it reminded us of the profound impact we could have in a single day with just a few days of preparation.

Alhalimun's primary objectives revolve around several key pillars:

1- Increasing awareness of sports for development in Egypt and neighboring countries, particularly concerning refugee development.
2- Empowering refugee children by providing mental and physical support, preparing them for future opportunities.
3- Supporting refugee parents to ensure they can adequately nurture and support their children.
4- Fostering future generations to create similar Alhalimun projects that contribute to societal development.
5- Raising funds for Alhalimun and establishing strategic partnerships.

Returning to the question posed at the beginning: Does sport have the power to change the world and make it a better place for everyone? I assert that yes—sport serves as a gentle yet formidable force, a healing tool that can effect change when provided with the right guidance, safe environments, and qualified mentors. The enthusiasm of those passionate about sport for development can inspire communities to embrace inclusion, integration, and social cohesion, ensuring that no one is left behind.

In the context of the MENA region, sport is increasingly recognized as a vital contributor to development and peace. Initiatives spearheaded by organizations like Alhalimun are fostering resilience, particularly among youth, and addressing SDGs by creating pathways for long-term development. The stories of those whose lives have transformed through participation in sport underscore the importance of these programs; they provide tangible evidence of sport's capacity to inspire change and enhance community cohesion.

Yet challenges remain. Strengthening the role of sport for development in the MENA region requires robust support from international policymakers, including funding, training resources, and platforms for collaboration. By fostering partnerships and enabling local organizations to flourish, we can create an ecosystem where sport becomes a catalyst for positive change.

Looking to the future, it is essential to sustain momentum in the realm of sport and development in the MENA region. Together, through shared commitment and determination, we can ensure that sport continues to serve as a door to opportunity, healing, and hope for generations to come.


About the author

Sara Mo'men is the Founder, Marketing and Business Development Manager of Alhalimun (الحَالمُون)

Authors

Tags

Country
Palestinian Territories
Germany
Algeria
Jordan
Argentina
India
Brazil
Chile
Mexico
Kenya
Mozambique
Sudan
Uganda
Egypt
Region
The Middle East
Europe
Africa
Latin America and the Caribbean
Asia
Central America
Sport
All Sports
Sustainable Development Goals
3- Health and Wellness
16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions
17- Partnership to achieve goals
Target Group
Displaced people

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