The Minister of Social Solidarity and
the Secretary of State for Youth
and Sports release doves of peace
during the inauguration of the
peace monument in Bairo Pite.

Photo: CARE

USAID, CARE Inaugurate Peace Monument and Sports Facility in Bairo Pite (September 9, 2008)

Minister of Social Solidarity Maria Domingas Fernandes Alves, Secretary of State for Youth and Sports Miguel M.G. Manetelu, as well as representatives from USAID and CARE, led the community in inaugurating a renovated recreation facility and peace monument in Bairo Pite on August 28, 2008. A community dialogue with the Government officials was also held at the recreation facility to discuss the community’s security, development and reintegration of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

“This dialogue really means a lot to us. Also, with the basketball/volleyball court now rehabilitated, we see young people playing here every Sunday,” said Joao Soares Reis Pequinho, executive coordinator of Forum Tau Matan. Pequinho added that the Hudi Laran road where the peace monument and basketball court stand will also soon be named “peace road”.

The peace monument and renovation of the volleyball/basketball court was funded through a CARE peace-building project supported by USAID. Through this project, small grants are provided to national and community organizations like Forum Tau Matan to implement peace-building activities in Bairo Pite.

The idea for the peace monument was conceived by representatives from the four aldeias (sub-villages) as a way to commemorate the victims of the 2006 crisis and to promote the return to peace, unity and stability. It is highly symbolic because Bairo Pite had one of the highest levels of violence and internal displacement following the events of April/May 2006.

The renovation of the sports facility, located in aldeia Bitaba, began in mid-May 2008. The work was carried out by teams from aldeia Bitaba and three surrounding aldeias. It provided an opportunity for people to improve their construction skills. “We recognize the crucial role that sport plays in providing a space for positive, non-violent activities that promote engagement between community members, especially youth, and their leaders,” said Dan Hardy, CARE project manager.

Other aldeias, having heard of the work in aldeia Bitaba, have approached CARE with proposals to rehabilitate other recreational sites. CARE has also approached the Bairo Pite suco council to discuss the possibility of developing a suco-level sports council that would promote and support structured recreational activities within Bairo Pite.

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