Donation Information
Right To Play is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity no. 1112404.
Please donate online by following the link above (through Charity Choice) or send a cheque made payable to "Right To Play UK" to:
Right To Play UK39 - 43 Brewer Street,
London,
W1F 9UD
+44 (0) 207 734 7946
A Visit to Laine Refugee Camp in Guinea
by Sean Neeb, Right To Play Senior Program Officer (Toronto Office)
February 2003 - While on a trip to the field to visit the SportWorks Refugee project in Guinea, I stumbled on an incredible story that reinforces the importance and impact of the work Right To Play is doing, and highlights the dedication and perseverance of the Local Coaches that our Project Coordinators train in enhancing community sport and play projects.
I was visiting a relatively new refugee camp in Guinea, called Laine. Laine was established in September 2002 to deal with the Liberian refugee influx as a result of the civil unrest in Cote D’Ivoire; many of the refugees came from Danane where Right To Play had been implementing a project prior to the unrest.
Almost out of nowhere, Right To Play Volunteers Kim Irish and Tom Steven and I happened upon Joseph Simbo and Keita Abubakar -- two Liberian Coaches who had been trained by Right To Play Volunteers in Danane. They were overjoyed to meet up with our group and told me this inspiring story.
Simbo and Keita recounted the long and difficult journey from Danane to Laine -- explaining how they had traveled the route on foot with very few belongings. Speaking with passion and conviction, Simbo revealed that he had 'walked no less than 51 kilometres' with Right To Play materials under his arm. These materials included a Program Manual, games, rules, ideas and methods they had learned in Danane. Simbo spoke about wanting to continue with the program in their new home in order to bring joy to the children in Laine, and to continue to spread the work of Right To Play.
Our conversation seemed endless -- there was much to say, and lots to ask about. Both Simbo and Keita inquired about past Right To Play Project Coordinators (who have since returned to Canada). They also wrote a letter of blessings which I passed along upon my return.
It was a highly surreal and emotional moment; one that I won’t soon forget. Sport and play is a powerful tool for building children and communities -- Simbo and Keita are two living examples.
