Terres en Mêlées
Since 2011, Terres en Mêlées has been using rugby as a lever for social transformation among vulnerable youth in Africa and the Indian Ocean.
The association’s mission is to support young people throughout their life journey, particularly during their transition to adulthood. Through educational, sports, and civic actions, the goal is to contribute concretely to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially: quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), a culture of peace (SDG 16), access to decent work (SDG 8), and networking among stakeholders (SDG 17). Projects are built around Rugby for Change, an educational and inclusive model designed and developed over the years. This model serves as a common foundation, adapted to the social challenges identified in each intervention area: gender equality, violence prevention, social cohesion, and professional integration.
The Foundation supports the “Grandir en mêlée” project, which aims to expand and promote the Rugby for Change educational and inclusive model while strengthening the pedagogical skills of teams and teachers involved in Togo, Burkina Faso, and Madagascar. Designed as comprehensive support for life pathways, the project is structured around three pillars:
- Educational pillar – Creating a caring and structured environment led by key adults—socio-sports educators and teachers—trained in active pedagogies and the principles of Rugby for Change.
- Development of psychosocial skills (life skills) – Implementation of an annual educational program focused on psychosocial skills: self-esteem, emotion management, decision-making, cooperation, critical thinking… complemented by regular sports events that promote engagement, respect, and gender inclusion.
- Future prospects – Supporting adolescents in building their future: academic support, individualized social follow-up, career discovery, and inspiring meetings with local professionals.
