16 January 2014 – The Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) of the United Nations for Guinea-Bissau paid tribute to the "hope and courage" of young people involved in many social, cultural and sports activities organized by the Sports Club from the “Bairro d’Ajuda” neighbourhood of Bissau.

José Ramos-Horta visited the club, located at the outskirts of the Bissau-Guinean capital, founded on 10 October 1969, but remaining inactive 22 years, and today guided by the aim of promoting a wide range of initiatives targeting the community, through reliance on partnerships and support of schools, residents and businesses in the neighborhood.

The head of the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) was received by Abdulai Caliph Baldé, President of the Bairro d’Ajuda Sports Club, whom he informed of his desire to observe in situ “the good work being done” through the engagement of youth who occupy their leisure time with civic activities, including in particular the cleaning of streets, and who actually have plans to administer a local fruit market in the near future.

“Bairro d’Ajuda” is one of the most urbanized neighborhoods of Bissau, famous for its unique feature of organizing events, with the noteworthy example, unique on its own, being the commemoration of the Africa Day, 25 May. "The neighbourhood sports club is a connecting link with the entire community," stressed President Abdulai Caliph Baldé, noting that recovery of heritage assets is among the priorities of the club management.

The SRSG said that it is never too late to know what is being done in the neighborhoods of the capital city. He was impressed with the existence of this club, noting that it is apparently "very well-run and with initiatives.”

Ramos-Horta said he was "happy" to see that, "despite the difficulties, there are initiatives that stubbornly persist and remain active, with creativity, giving young people hope, encouragement and inspiration".

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate has already carried out various social visits in almost the entire country since his arrival in Guinea-Bissau, about a year ago, all with the aim of finding out about activities that are being carried out in favour of the most needy.