CFPs: Sports and Play-Based MHPSS Interventions for Social Cohesion (Ethiopia)

UNICEF invites local organizations in Ethiopia’s Benishangul Gumuz region to implement the “Resilient Minds, Playful Hearts” programme. This initiative integrates sports-based social cohesion and play-based mental health interventions, focusing on child protection, early childhood development, education, and community strengthening. The programme targets children, adolescents, and families, emphasizing inclusion, psychosocial support, and evidence-based approaches.

Programme Overview

UNICEF’s “Resilient Minds, Playful Hearts” initiative is designed to promote mental health, psychosocial support (MHPSS), and social cohesion among children and communities in Ethiopia’s Benishangul Gumuz region. By integrating Learning through Play, sports-based interventions, and community engagement, the programme strengthens education systems and child protection structures.

Key focus areas include:

• Early childhood development (0–12 years)
• Improved learning outcomes and skills development for adolescents
• Child protection and family reunification
• Gender-based violence (GBV) prevention
• Mental health and psychosocial support through play-based approaches

Objectives

The programme aims to:

1. Enhance children’s emotional wellbeing and school participation
2. Strengthen education and child protection systems
3. Increase inclusion for children with disabilities and marginalized groups
4. Promote peaceful coexistence among refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and host communities
5. Improve hygiene practices, climate-smart behaviours, and safe learning environments

Who is Eligible?

UNICEF seeks a qualified local civil society organization (CSO) capable of:

• Designing and implementing sports-based social cohesion interventions
• Delivering MHPSS and child protection activities
• Working with government institutions and international partners
• Supporting vulnerable populations, including refugees, IDPs, and children with disabilities

How the Programme Works

The initiative operates through multiple, integrated interventions:

1. Play-Based Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

• Age-specific MHPSS packages for children 0–12 years
• Support for parenting groups focusing on responsive caregiving
• Integration of play-based pedagogy into schools and community settings

2. Education and Skills Development

• Training for teachers and social workers on MHPSS and playful pedagogy
• Provision of learning and play materials
• Alternative education for out-of-school children, including accelerated learning programmes and satellite early childhood centres

3. Child Protection and Inclusion

• Strengthening violence prevention practices in schools
• Identification and referral for children with disabilities
• Community awareness campaigns on child protection and inclusion

4. Sports-Based Social Cohesion

• Sports interventions to promote peaceful coexistence among refugees, IDPs, and host communities
• Entry points for mental health, GBV response, and child protection services

5. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)

• Evidence generation to guide scaling and sustainability
• Alignment with national policies through collaboration with government systems

Key Benefits and Expected Results

• Strengthened social cohesion within communities
• Improved access to protection and psychosocial services
• Increased participation of girls and children with disabilities
• Enhanced community engagement and institutionalization of play-based learning
• Capacity building and resource provision for early childhood education centres

Tips and Common Mistakes

• Ensure interventions are inclusive of all children, particularly those with disabilities
• Integrate MEAL frameworks from the start to track impact effectively
• Collaborate closely with government and community stakeholders
• Avoid generic approaches; tailor sports and play activities to local contexts

How to Apply

1. Prepare a detailed expression of interest (EOI) demonstrating experience in sports-based social cohesion, MHPSS, and child protection
2. Highlight previous work with children, adolescents, refugees, and IDPs
3. Include staffing, capacity-building plans, and resource requirements
4. Submit the application according to UNICEF’s local guidelines and deadlines

FAQ

Q1: What age groups does the programme target?
A1: Children aged 0–12 years, adolescents, and families, with special focus on vulnerable populations.

Q2: Are organizations outside Ethiopia eligible?
A2: Only qualified local civil society organizations in the Benishangul Gumuz region are eligible.

Q3: What is the budget for this initiative?
A3: The indicative budget is USD 900,000.

Q4: How does the programme support children with disabilities?
A4: Through targeted identification, referral systems, inclusive play-based activities, and community awareness.

Q5: What types of interventions are included?
A5: Play-based MHPSS, sports-based social cohesion, education and skills development, child protection, GBV prevention, and alternative education pathways.

Q6: How is the programme aligned with government policies?
A6: UNICEF collaborates closely with government institutions to ensure interventions align with national education, protection, and child development policies.

Q7: How are out-of-school children supported?
A7: Through satellite early childhood education centres, accelerated learning programmes, and alternative education initiatives.

Conclusion

The “Resilient Minds, Playful Hearts” programme offers a holistic, evidence-based approach to strengthen child development, social cohesion, and community resilience in Ethiopia. Local organizations have an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by implementing inclusive, play-based, and sports-driven interventions that foster emotional wellbeing, protection, and learning outcomes for children and adolescents.