South Africa Refugee Led Network

In Pretoria, Marviel, a passionate refugee community leader, is using table tennis to strengthen the health and well-being of refugee children. Having experienced displacement himself, he knows how sport can rebuild confidence and create moments of joy. With support from the Dream Building Fund, a project of the Table Tennis Foundation, he received five boxes of table tennis balls and rackets, allowing him to start regular sessions in a small community hall. The children now have a safe space to play, stay active, and connect across cultures. Through table tennis, Marviel is helping them develop focus, teamwork, and resilience. What started as a simple idea has grown into a community-led initiative bringing hope, healing, and unity to refugee families.