Overcoming The Trauma Of War
Carlos Gatlliah, Kenya
GIZ Sport for Development in Africa works in Turkana West with both refugees and host communities. The project focuses on three main interventions: training local community coaches and sports teachers, construction and rehabilitation of grassroots sports grounds, and the distribution of equipment for community sports activities. In the refugee community, GIZ has trained over 50 sports teachers and community coaches who integrate sport for development methodology into their regular sports sessions, and sports equipment is distributed to youth centres and schools within the refugee camp.
Can you tell us your personal story?
I am Carlos Gatlliah, South Sudanese by nationality, 25 years in age and still single. I came to Kakuma in March 2014. I work at the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) youth center in Kakuma Camp 4 as a sports coordinator, a youth trainer in life-skills and resilience, and peer counsellor. I am also a football coach, a community facilitator and leader in various activities especially those involving the youth. I attended the GIZ-Sport for Development in Africa course in 2017 through DRC.
What did you try to show with the photos?
South Sudanese youth playing football in Kakuma Camp 4 in Kakuma Refugee Camp in preparation for the Camp 4 League. The major inhabitants are South Sudanese communities and significant populations of Burundi and Congolese.
Did you play football before you came to Kenya? If so, who with?
I actively played football back in South Sudan and I play here in Kakuma. In South Sudan I played for various clubs and at school. Currently, I play for leisure and fitness purposes.
Why did you leave your country?
I left because of the war that broke out in 2013. It became worse in November 2013, forcing me and others to seek a safe haven, and for me to be able to continue with schooling while seeking better opportunities in life. Since then, I have lived here in Kakuma.
Why is football important to you and your community?
Football is important as it brings interaction and unity amongst communities living in the camp and with the host community as well, fostering cohesion. Using football, we are to bring community members together in order for leaders to pass important information. It also nurtures talents that could help some youth play to professional levels. It also prevents idleness that could lead to crime and issues like early pregnancies among the youth.
Do you play football now with any Kenyan people? How do you find the Kenyan people?
We have played together with Kenyans since my arrival at the camp, in the league and within the communities. They are great, friendly people, and hospitable. They welcomed us as refugees despite our shortcomings - some South Sudanese were aggressive when they arrived, due to past experiences from the war.
What ambitions do you have for the future?
I would like to become an accomplished psychologist to help youth in the camp who have mental trauma caused by the war in South Sudan. I completed a diploma course in Modern Applied Psychology in May 2020. I am now on the lookout for advanced courses in the same field and I would like to specialize in counselling. If possible, I would like to go back home and help people with trauma and stress from the war in the healing process, as well as build the country from the destruction caused by the prolonged conflict.
