DEH Director making a speech during the launching ceremony on 22nd March 2025 in Bamenda
Other Stakeholders at the launching of the FIFA project in Bamenda
Other Stakeholders at the launching of the FIFA project in Bamenda
RESEARCH
Development for Humanity (DEH) is thrilled to announce the launch of the project on "Football as a tool to enhance social cohesion and community development!", bringing football lovers together from different communities of the Northwest region, one game at a time. The project leans on the unifying power of football to build create positive change, foster living together and build stronger communities. The overall objective of this project is Use football as a tool to engage Fulani and Grassfield communities, promoting social cohesion and peaceful coexistence. The FIFA FOUNDATION sponsored project uses football as a platform to restore broken relationships among communities especially those of grass-field majority and Fulani minority communities living in the restive Northwest region and
contribute to the development of our communities through general cleanup campaign activities.
We are proud to partner with MINSEP, FECAFOOT, ASCAD, MBOSCUDA, DARED and ACE VISION, to make this vision a reality.
The football matches and clean up campaigns have been taking place easing tensions between different groups. The match between NGO FC and Alshifa FC teams on April 26th, 2025 at Old Town Field in Bamenda, for example, proved to be more than just a sporting event - it became a powerful demonstration of unity and social cohesion. Played on the historic grounds of the Fulani community, the 4pm kickoff attracted an enthusiastic crowd who first participated in a meaningful discussion about fair play and the role of sports in bridging community divides. As the game commenced, players from both sides displayed remarkable skill and sportsmanship, treating spectators to an exciting display of teamwork and determination while strictly adhering to principles of mutual respect. The match ended with Alshifa FC winning 4 goals to 0 for NGO FC but the true victory was the palpable sense of camaraderie that emerged as players exchanged jerseys and community members lingered afterwards, discussing how such initiatives could foster lasting peace in the region.
NGO FC and Alshifa FC teams on April 26th, 2025 at Old Town Field, Bamenda, posing together before the match
Development for Humanity (DEH) successfully used the universal appeal of football to create a shared space for dialogue and connection in a region affected by tension. The event's location in the heart of the Fulani community and the active participation of local residents underscored football's unique ability to transcend differences and bring people together.
