The JFP programmes focus on three zones: conflict areas, post-conflict regions and places with social disorders. Using the judo values as its core philosophy, JFP is helping communities to build a better future and create the conditions of a better society, with a special focus on refugees and displaced people, particularly the youth.
In 2021, despite the global pandemic and the tensions all over the world, JFP remained active and kept addressing issues that affect millions of people.
• The Kilis refugee programme started in 2014 in Southern Turkey. More than 2,000 children have been through the programme, which now extends over the border with Syria. In April 2021, for the first time, the Judo for Peace and Judo for Children Commission were present in Syria to deliver a judo session for children who have been suffering awful traumas for many years.
At the beginning of 2022, the IJF will partner with local authorities and NGO to organise a great judo tournament in the Kilis region, involving children from several Turkish cities as well as refugees.
LINKS
- https://www.ijf.org/news/show/kilis-the-sun-is-starting-to-shine-again
- https://www.ijf.org/news/show/beyond-fear-without-a-parachute
• The most extensive programme run by the IJF is the Judo for Peace South Africa operation with a dedicated IJF coach and coordinator. Several dojos have been open throughout South Africa and strong partnerships with local NGOs and UNHCR have been developed. At the end of 2021 and in 2022, a specific programme 'Connected by Judo,' aimed at developing digital inclusion within the refugee community, will be set up between South Africa, Zambia and Malawi, in partnership with the UNHCR with the support of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
LINKS
- https://www.ijf.org/news/show/you-can-do-it-so-do-it
- https://www.ijf.org/news/show/beyond-all-odds-there-is-a-brighter-future
- https://www.ijf.org/news/show/judo-for-peace-among-the-baobabs
- https://www.ijf.org/news/show/jfp-south-africa-helps-clean-the-environment
• Refugee camp programmes have been running in Zambia and Malawi for several years, offering new opportunities for displaced people, while social activities were also developed. Two camps are running in Zambia. Historically activities started in Meheba and more recently a new dojo was opened in Mayukwayukwa, both with the support of the Norwegian Olympic Committee. In Malawi, Dzaleka refugee camp has been operating for several years. Both Zambia and Malawi are cooperating on a regular basis, exchanging information and knowledge. Training camps for refugees of both countries are organised regularly.
LINKS
- https://www.ijf.org/news/show/a-new-dojo-for-refugees-in-zambia
- https://www.ijf.org/news/show/one-boy-two-photos-three-years
• In 2020, the International Judo Federation, together with the Zambia Judo Association launched a 'Masks for Africa' operation to provide face masks to the local population in Zambia and Malawi in order to fight against the spread of Covid-19. The refugee population was the first to benefit from this operation.
LINKS
- https://www.ijf.org/news/show/masks-without-borders
- https://www.ijf.org/news/show/masks-for-the-most-vulnerable-ones
• Following in the footsteps of Zambia and Malawi, in 2021, a new Judo for Refugees initiative was launched in Zimbabwe (Tongogara)
LINK
• In partnership with Peace and Sports, JFP started a programme in Jordan and initiated the first step in 2019.
LINK
- https://www.ijf.org/news/show/judo-continues-to-grow-in-zaatari
• In Ethiopia, an ongoing long term programme has been running for many years under the leadership of the national federation and the IJF Police Commission.
LINKS
- https://www.ijf.org/news/show/judo-for-ethiopians-judo-is-my-home
- https://www.ijf.org/news/show/judo-for-ethiopians-celebrates-10-years
• Every year the JFP Commission is present on the occasion of global celebrations such as 6th April, the International Refugee Day or World Judo Day.
LINKS
- https://www.ijf.org/news/show/behind-each-whitecard-there-is-a-story
- https://www.ijf.org/news/show/judo-united-on-the-IDSDP
- https://www.ijf.org/news/show/Participate-april6-together
- https://www.ijf.org/news/show/world-peace-day-and-week-of-action
- https://www.ijf.org/news/show/the-judo-family-shows-solidarity
Every time the IJF leads educational activities involving children, a Judo for Peace dimension is attached to it. The IJF is also collaborating with several organisations such as UNHCR, Leaders for Peace, Crans Montana Forum and Peace and Sport, to promote peace concretely, through sport. The IJF is also supporting programmes that foster the development of a better mutual understanding between nations, such as the recent exchange between Morocco and Israel (https://www.ijf.org/news/show/there-was-magic-in-morocco).
Judo, through its educational dimension and through the values it carries, is a fantastic tool to create the conditions of a better future for the young generation. Associated with actions to preserve our environment, JFP is working to create a better society. Together we are strong and when we can show solidarity we are even stronger.