Area 4 and Favela United launch "Play for Peace" program in Palma

• The initiative will train, support and empower 10,000 youth in the district of Palma
• Program to run in Palma-Sede, Senga, Quitunda, Mondlane e Maganja

The program will train, support, and empower over 10,000 disadvantaged and displaced youth by using sports, art, and culture to promote peace, inclusion, and equality in the region. The project activities will be realized in the communities of the Palma District in Cabo Delgado, including Palma-Sede and the villages of Senga, Quitunda, Mondlane and Maganja.

The overall aim of the project is to support Mozambique’s efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to achieve its national targets of the Sustainable Development Goals including the commitment to ‘Leave no one behind’. The program promotes activities that address gender equality and empowerment of women, the promotion of social inclusion of youth, strengthening of local institutions and justice and peace for host communities.

“Innovative programs targeting youth’s social inclusion and personal development through sport and cultural activities are instrumental to promoting a sustainable peaceful environment in conflict impacted communities across Cabo Delgado.” Said, Arne Gibbs, General Manager for ExxonMobil Moçambique, Limitada. “This initiative will contribute to the improvement of the physical and mental health of the youth of Palma, but more importantly it will foster a safe environment to promote social inclusion and unity amongst communities.”

“We are here with Favela United to inspire and create a new generation of positive change makers among youth from the communities of Palma. Sports has the power to create unity and build peace and strong relationships, this project is for the future of Palma.“ said Patrick Hope, Project Manager for Favela United.

Speaking of this initiative, Governor Valige Tauabo affirmed that “The government firmly believes in the benefits of practicing and promoting sports activities in conflict communities, and others. Ultimately it contributes to improved social cohesion and unity, personal skill development, strengthening of mental health, conflict resolution. We are pleased with the Area 4 efforts and invite all our partners to carry out such programs across Cabo Delgado in support of the youth, for investing in the youth, is always a good investment”.

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About Area 4

Area 4 is operated by Mozambique Rovuma Venture S.p.A. (MRV), a joint venture owned by ExxonMobil, Eni and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), which holds a 70 percent interest in the Area 4 Exploration and Production Concession Agreement in addition to MRV, Galp, KOGAS and Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos, E. P. Each holds a 10 percent interest in Area 4. ExxonMobil leads the construction and operation of the Natural Gas Liquefaction and related facilities on behalf of MRV, and Eni leads the construction and operation of upstream facilities.

About Favela United

Favela United is a community based Sports for development and youth empowerment NGO in Mozambique. Favela United combines sports development, innovative educational provision and a tailored character development program to create the leaders of tomorrow. Over the past 10 years Favela United reached and impacted over 50.000 vulnerable young people with the power of sports throughout Mozambique and Brazil.

Contacts:
lecticia.sepulveda@exxonmobil.com
patrick.c.hoep@gmail.com