Sponsored: Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement For years, Phoibe Byiringiro preferred to keep to herself. Growing up with a disability and later fleeing conflict in DR Congo, she struggled to connect with others. Today, the 21-year-old can be found laughing with teammates on the playground in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement, where Game Connect introduced her to new friendships, teamwork and a sense of belonging. "Through Game Connect, I have learnt teamwork, social cohesion and a sense of belonging. They taught us to love one another," she says. Every young person deserves a place where they feel accepted. @AVSIUganda @FondazioneAVSI @UNHCRuganda @RefugeesOlympic @Official_UOC @warchild @JMakohaOfficial @MakeStrongMinds @MinofHealthUG @RightToPlayUg, @YSUganda @GovUganda #GameConnect #Sport #MentalHealth #refugee #Sport4MentalHealth

Sponsored: Kyangwali Refugee Settlement "I can't run." Those were Rashid Rochene's first words when his coach encouraged him to try athletics. Today, the 16-year-old refugee from DR Congo is preparing to represent the Refugee Olympic Team at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. Through Game Connect, Rashid found more than athletic talent he found confidence, friendships and the courage to dream bigger. Sometimes, all it takes is someone who believes in you before you believe in yourself. @AVSIUganda @FondazioneAVSI @UNHCRuganda @RefugeesOlympic @Official_UOC @warchild @JMakohaOfficial @MakeStrongMinds @MinofHealthUG @RightToPlayUg, @YSUganda @GovUganda #GameConnect #Sport #MentalHealth #refugee #Sport4MentalHealth

Sponsored: When Ambrose Otim lost his father during the COVID-19 pandemic, he also lost his sense of direction. Through Game Connect, sport became his path to healing, helping him rebuild his confidence, overcome drug use, complete university, and become an IOC Young Leader. Today, he is paying it forward by using sport to help young people overcome substance abuse and build brighter futures. His journey is a powerful reminder that when young people are given safe spaces, mentorship, and opportunities to thrive, they don't just transform their own lives they become catalysts for change in their communities. @AVSIUganda @FondazioneAVSI @UNHCRuganda @RefugeesOlympic @Official_UOC @warchild @JMakohaOfficial @MakeStrongMinds @MinofHealthUG @RightToPlayUg, @YSUganda @GovUganda @iocmedia #GameConnect #Sport #MentalHealth #refugee #Sport4MentalHealth

Sponsored : The Story of Game Connect Can sport change a young person's life? When Game Connect was launched in Uganda in 2020, many people viewed sport as little more than recreation. Few imagined that a game could become a tool for improving mental well-being, building confidence and teaching life skills. Six years later, that perception is changing. Between August 2020 and July 2026, Game Connect reached 28,812 young people across refugee settlements and host communities in Kamwenge, Kikuube, Adjumani, Kampala and Lamwo. Through football, netball and structured play, young people learnt to manage stress, resolve conflict, build healthy relationships and develop the confidence to navigate everyday challenges. For some, the journey led back to school. For others, it meant finding their voice, making new friends or discovering leadership potential. @AVSIUganda @FondazioneAVSI @UNHCRuganda @RefugeesOlympic @Official_UOC @warchild @JMakohaOfficial @MakeStrongMinds @MinofHealthUG @RightToPlayUg, @YSUganda @GovUganda #GameConnect #Sport #MentalHealth #refugee #Sport4MentalHealth