Running, Playing, Dreaming: Emmanuel Eseme Inspires Hope Among Children in Méri
In Méri, with support from the European Union, a new child-friendly space opens its doors, offering children protection, hope and joy alongside African athletics champion Emmanuel Eseme.
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The laughter of children echoed far beyond the playground this Thursday in Méri, where a new child-friendly space was officially inaugurated in the presence of administrative and local authorities, development partners, and a special guest: Emmanuel Eseme, African athletics champion.
Established with funding from the European Union under a reintegration project implemented by UNICEF, IOM, and their partners, this new space marks an important step forward in promoting the protection, well-being, and reintegration of children affected by conflict in Cameroon’s Far North Region.
The ceremony brought together the Divisional Officer of Méri, the Mayor of the municipality, representatives of the National Committee for Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (CNDDR), sister agencies of the United Nations system, and several UNICEF partners, including Petrichor, LaLiga Foundation, and the Eseme Alobwede Foundation (EA Foundation). Together, they celebrated an investment that offers renewed hope to some of the region’s most vulnerable children.
For the hundreds of children in attendance, this new space represents far more than infrastructure. It provides a safe environment where children can play, learn, develop their skills, receive psychosocial support, and gradually reclaim their childhood.
"Before, we did not have a place where we could come together to play and learn. Now, we have a space where we feel safe and where we can dream about our future," said Aïcha, 13, a participant in the child-friendly space activities.
Built as part of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNICEF, IOM, and their partners, the facility contributes to efforts aimed at supporting the reintegration of children formerly associated with armed groups, as well as other vulnerable children within host communities. Through this support, the project helps strengthen social cohesion and provides children with meaningful opportunities for development in a protective environment.
Beyond this new infrastructure, the European Union-funded programme is already delivering tangible results across the Far North Region. Fifteen safe spaces and child-friendly spaces have been established or strengthened in crisis-affected communities. More than 20,400 children and adults, including former associates of armed groups and members of reintegration communities, have participated in community-based psychosocial support activities, while 420 vulnerable children have received individualized mental health and psychosocial support services. These interventions contribute to strengthening resilience, improving well-being, and supporting reintegration into their communities.
One of the most anticipated moments of the day was the sports programme organized by the Eseme Alobwede Foundation (EA Foundation). Alongside Emmanuel Eseme, foundation staff facilitated a variety of recreational and sporting activities that transformed the inauguration into a true celebration of childhood. Sack races, obstacle courses, throwing challenges, and team games gave children and young people the opportunity to build confidence while having fun.
The highlight of the sporting activities came when Emmanuel Eseme joined dozens of children on the track for a friendly race that drew enthusiastic applause. In a festive atmosphere, the African champion ran alongside the young participants, encouraging each child to give their best. Laughter, cheers, and applause accompanied every stride.
"What I liked most today was running with Emmanuel Eseme. I want to become an athlete like him and show that children from Méri can succeed too," said 12-year-old Moussa, still amazed by the experience.
For Emmanuel Eseme, sport is a powerful driver of inclusion and hope.
"Every child deserves the opportunity to develop their full potential. Running with these children today, I saw their energy, talent, and dreams. With spaces like this one, they can grow up in an environment that protects them and encourages them to believe in themselves," said the African champion.
Every child deserves the opportunity to develop their full potential. Running with these children today, I saw their energy, talent, and dreams. With spaces like this one, they can grow up in an environment that protects them and encourages them to believe in themselves
Through the engagement of the EA Foundation, the event demonstrated how sport can contribute to children’s well-being, strengthen resilience, and promote essential values such as respect, solidarity, discipline, and social cohesion.
The participation of Petrichor and LaLiga Foundation also highlighted the important role sport can play as a tool for protection, inclusion, and social cohesion. By creating opportunities for learning, self-expression, and personal development, these partnerships are helping children build a brighter future.
Throughout the ceremony, children animated the event through cultural performances, songs, dances, and recreational activities. Their smiles reflected the importance of having spaces where they can feel safe, express themselves freely, and build their future.
As the inauguration ribbon was cut to the applause of the crowd, a powerful message resonated across the community: when children have safe spaces to grow, learn, play, and dream, society as a whole moves forward toward greater peace, social cohesion, and hope.
Thanks to the support of the European Union and the commitment of UNICEF, IOM, and their partners, this space illustrates how investments in child protection and reintegration can help rebuild community ties and create new opportunities for the future.
In Méri, this space now belongs to the children. It is theirs to fill with laughter, discovery, and ambition. For behind every game, every sporting activity, and every shared dream, the future of an entire community is already being built.
