Ashoka Fellows “Fighting” for Peace

Approximately 500 minors were killed in armed conflict in Israel and Palestine between 1988 and 2001.  In 2000, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, 6,218 people under 25 years old were killed by firearms.  Two Ashoka Fellows, Abdel Fattah Abu-Srour and Luke Dowdney, are “fighting” for peace by using sports to empower and improve the situation violence in their regions.

In Palestine, Abdel Fattah works within the Aida refugee camp to spread peace through theater, sports, the arts and non violent resistance training for the community.  Most recently, Abdel Fattah is working on the construction of a fitness and dance center for women.  This effort is geared towards empowering women and breaking down the cultural norms that have restricted them to their homes. 

Through the Changemakers competition Abdel Fattah became aware another Palestinian organization, PACES, who is also using sports to promote peace.  The relationship began online on the Changemakers website and eventually Abdel Fattah and a PACES representative met face to face to discuss ways in which they could collaborate. 

In Rio de Janeiro, Luke Dowdney offers at-risk youth an alternative to the widespread violence, crime and drug trade that permeates the surrounding city and slums.  “Fight for Peace” entices youth to get off the streets by offering classes and competitions in boxing, wrestling, and capoeira.   In addition to offering a safe space for sports and play, Fight for Peace encourages students to stay in school and even provides supplementary education.  Luke leads skill trainings and arranges internship and job opportunities, teaches sex education and hosts discussions on human rights, culture, family and violence. 

Please feel free to check out theses “Sport for a Better World” entries:

Luke Dowdney: Fight for Peace
http://www.changemakers.net/en-us/node/2800

Abdel Fattah Abu-Srour: Sports for Beautiful Change http://www.changemakers.net/en-us/node/2033