Location and general information
Access to Sport - 
Conflict victims - 
Gender Equality - 
Infrastructure and equipment - 
Personal development - 
Strengthening partnershipsContext
Children and young people in Tajikistan’s border regions are exposed to the effects of geographic isolation, economic hardship, and limited access to safe, inclusive spaces. They are also vulnerable to criminal activity and political risks, including cross-border trafficking, drug smuggling and the presence of extremist groups. These problems cause social instability, disrupt community life, deepen inter-ethnic divisions and reduce opportunities for personal and economic development. Access to quality education, structured activities and positive role models is also limited, increasing the risk of exclusion and disengagement. In addition, girls face particular cultural and security barriers that restrict their participation in community life and recreational activities, exacerbating gender inequality and social isolation.
Project goals
- Improve access to safe infrastructure for sport (including football)
- Provide more opportunities for recreation, social interaction and developing skills
- Empower vulnerable children in Tajikistan’s border regions
- Bring children from both sides of the Tajik-Kyrgyz and Tajik-Afghan borders together
- Foster resilience and inclusion in border communities affected by conflict
- Provide female role models to encourage girls’ participation
- Encourage community ownership of inclusive sports initiatives
- Raise public awareness of these initiatives and make them sustainable
- Foster cross-community interaction, understanding and peace
Project content
The IOM and the Tajikistan Football Federation will jointly identify target locations in the Tajik-Kyrgyz and Tajik-Afghan border areas to construct or refurbish football pitches. The project will run regular football events, including cross-border tournaments and festivals, to strengthen social cohesion and reduce tensions between ethnic groups. These activities will be complemented by training in life skills and leadership. The project will also provide mental health and psychosocial support for children, especially girls.
In order to foster community ownership, increase public awareness and promote the sustainability of these initiatives, the project will work with local people to draw up and implement community action plans, organise tournaments and deliver national publicity campaigns. Local people will also be involved in maintaining the facilities.
Partner
