SPORTING VALUES AND THEIR ROLE IN BUILDINGAN INCLUSIVE SOCIETY IN BURUNDI
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71105/khbd1h90Keywords:
sport, values, counter-values, social cohesion, educationAbstract
This article offers a theoretical reflection on sports values and their contribution to building an inclusive and peaceful society in Burundi. It draws on recent literature on peacebuilding as well as research on social cohesion and post-conflict reconstruction. It analyses how values are experienced within a privileged space for socialisation, dialogue, and civic education through daily sports practices, including friendship, respect, excellence, solidarity, and integrity. The study employs a qualitative approach combining a literature review and observation of community sports practices. The analyses reveal that sports values friendship, respect, excellence, solidarity, and integrity significantly contribute to the positive development of youth and the strengthening of social capital. However, these values are often undermined by counter-values such as violence, cheating, exclusion, or the political instrumentalisation of sport. The arguments are framed within a multidisciplinary theoretical framework (positive youth development, self-determination motivation, social capital, sport and peace) and a critical examination of the Burundian context (policies, institutions, and community programs). The results highlight the importance of sustainable institutional support, ethical training for coaches, and better integration of Olympic values into school and university programs. In conclusion, the article proposes practical recommendations for educational institutions, sports federations, the National Olympic Committee of Burundi (CNOB), and public authorities, aiming to make sport an effective vector for citizenship, social cohesion, and lasting peace.
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