The Power of Play: Transforming Lives through Recreational Activity  in Bambui

Life skills and Recreational activities are crucial tools for proper development and effective Mental well-being. Over the past months, the UNICEF-ECHO 2 Project which phased out in 2024 prioritized recreational activities, to foster resilience amongst children crisis Affected communities in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon.

TeenAlive Association regards recreational activities as a vital tool for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support for Crisis Affected adolescents within communities.On Friday, January 24, 2025, TeenAlive Bamenda organized an exciting sport activity at the CCAST handball field in Bambui. With an impressive turnout of 54 adolescent girls and boys, who engaged in a variety of sports and games designed to promote both physical fitness and mental well-being.

In crisis affected regions, where tensions often run deep, safe gatherings for children to play often stir up a sense of peace and unity. According to Dr.Nkeh Julius the TeenAlive Field office Coordinator for Bamenda, “Recreational activities create a platform for children to come together, especially in Bamenda where the crisis continues to take ugly turns making the environment too tense for children to play“. Through activities like these children are prone to learn basic practical environment too tense for children to play“. Through activities like these children are prone to learn basic practical life skills like, team work, effective communication and cooperation, it also doubles as a safe space.

This gathering also served as a platform of reawakening childhood games like dodgeball, “Tabala”, thug of war, all swallowed by the prolonged Crisis. It is important to note that, the crisis has left a mark of fear, thereby hindering children from playing and fostering peer to peer connections.