TEREKEKA, CENTRAL EQUATORIA — The European Union and Germany, through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), have officially handed over a rehabilitated community sports playground to the people and County Government of Terekeka.

The handover took place on Thursday, August 27, 2026, during a visit by EU Ambassador to South Sudan Pelle Enarsson and Germany’s Deputy Head of Mission, Nicole Hoffmann, together with GIZ representatives.

The delegation met with Terekeka County Commissioner, Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Loku, County officials and members of the local community. Discussions focused on cooperation with the county administration and ongoing Sport for Development activities aimed at giving young people opportunities to develop skills and contribute to peaceful and inclusive communities.

The rehabilitation was jointly co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, BMZ.

The upgraded facility includes a levelled football pitch, two goalposts, two shaded areas and a three-stance ventilated improved pit latrine. Sports equipment has also been provided to trained local coaches to support regular sporting activities.

Terekeka County Commissioner Dr. Emmanuel Loku described the facility as the best playground in Terekeka, saying football can play an important role in promoting peace and unity.

He said the community wants to move from being known mainly as a cattle community to becoming a football community, with the aim of raising the standard of young people through sport.

Germany’s Deputy Head of Mission, Nicole Hoffmann, said football can bring communities together because it promotes teamwork, rules and organizational skills that prepare young people for society and life.

EU Ambassador Pelle Enarsson said the playground represents more than a piece of land, describing the local coaches and community members as champions of inclusive sport and peace.

Under the Sport for Development approach, the facility will provide a safe and inclusive space for girls, boys and young people from different parts of the community. Activities will promote peaceful coexistence, gender equality, inclusion, leadership and safeguarding.

The project is part of the Strengthening Local Governance and Peaceful Coexistence in South Sudan — LoGo initiative, jointly co-funded by the European Union with five million euros and BMZ with six million euros, and implemented by GIZ in partnership with the South Sudanese Local Government Board.

The rehabilitated playground will remain under community ownership and is expected to provide a sustainable space for sport, interaction, youth participation and dialogue between communities and local authorities.