The friendly match, organised by Prison Fellowship Rwanda (PFR), a faith-based non-profit organisation, brought together humanitarian partners and refugees from Kiziba in a spirited game designed to strengthen collaboration, encourage teamwork, and promote well-being within the community.

By the end of the match, the scoreboard read 3–0 in favor of the refugees. But the real victory

From the first serve, the energy was unmistakable. Players dove for saves, celebrated hard-earned points, and cheered each other on. What could have been a symbolic gesture quickly became a display of determination and camaraderie.

The refugees’ decisive win reflected strong coordination and resilience, qualities that extend far beyond the court and into daily life inside the camp.

For organisers, the objective was clear: create a space where humanitarian partners and Persons of Concern (PoCs) could meet as teammates and competitors, rather than simply as service providers and beneficiaries. Sport, they say, has a unique power to level hierarchies.

Strengthening Social Bonds

The event aimed to promote social cohesion, encourage healthy living, and provide psychosocial support through recreation. In a setting where stress and uncertainty are part of daily life, moments of shared joy and physical activity can offer rare relief.

Beyond the competition, the match opened room for informal conversations, laughter, and mutual understanding. Organisers emphasised that strengthening trust and collaboration often begins with simple human interaction.

The day also served as a platform for broader advocacy. With International Women’s Day approaching, participants highlighted the importance of gender equality, women’s leadership, and the need for greater participation in upcoming IWD 2026 events. The gathering encouraged both men and women to champion equal rights and shared responsibility within the community.

Drug prevention awareness was another key focus. Organisers used the opportunity to discuss the dangers of substance abuse, promote healthy coping mechanisms, and reinforce prevention strategies and referral pathways.

By weaving these messages into a recreational setting, the event ensured they were heard in an atmosphere of openness rather than formality.

In Kiziba, the day proved that sometimes the strongest partnerships are built not around conference tables, but across a net, one point at a time.

The volleyball match may have lasted only a few hours, but its impact stretched further, reinforcing collaboration, supporting mental well-being, and celebrating shared values of respect and teamwork.