In eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, armed violence has upended the lives of thousands of families. Amid forced displacement, interrupted schooling, and psychological trauma, many young people are growing up in a climate of uncertainty.
Yet, amidst this difficult reality, some stories tell of a different dynamic: thanks to the Pamoja Tutaweza (“Together We Can”) project, funded by the DRC Humanitarian Fund (FH RDC), young people affected by displacement are gradually reclaiming their place in the community and becoming agents of change as the 19-year-old Sarah.
"When you protect a girl, you protect the future"
In 2024, Sarah’s life was turned upside down. Armed violence forced her to flee her village Shasha, in Masisi territory, with her family. Like thousands of others, she found refuge in a camp for displaced people near Goma.
“When we fled, I thought it was all over for me,” she recalls.
In February 2025, Sarah returns to her village hoping to rebuild her life. It is in this context that the Pamoja Tutaweza project’s community mobilization activities begin in her community.
She was selected to participate in a training program focused on gender equality, protection, and violence prevention. For the young woman, this experience quickly went beyond the scope of a simple training session. “These discussions helped me understand my rights and regain my self-confidence,” she explains.
Little by little, Sarah has established herself as an influential voice among the youth in her community. Today, she has become a Gender Champion, a role that involves raising awareness about issues of equality and protection.
She leads discussion sessions, encourages families to share household responsibilities, and mobilizes young girls to continue their education.
In her community, changes are beginning to take hold: conversations about respect and protection are on the rise, and survivors of violence are finding more support and a willing ear.
For Sarah, this commitment is also a promise for the future.
“My dream is to become a lawyer to defend women and children. When you protect a girl, you protect the future,” she says.
Sport for displaced displaced teen agers
The project’s impact extends beyond training and community dialogues.
In the Bulengo displacement camp, north of Goma, sports activities have also been organized to support the psychosocial well-being of young people.
It is in this context that Daniel, 14, displaced from Sake, has found a space to breathe and rebuild his life.
Like many teenagers living in the camp, Daniel had lost his bearings after being displaced. The soccer matches organized by the project allowed him to reconnect with other young people and regain a sense of normalcy.
“Now, soccer brings us together and gives us hope,” he says.
Empowering young people to take action
Through training, community dialogues, and sports activities, the Pamoja Tutaweza project, funded by the DRC Humanitarian Fund (FH RDC), has helped strengthen social cohesion between displaced people and host communities.
It has also provided young people with safe spaces to express themselves, learn, and rebuild their lives after the violence.
This initiative has been providing comprehensive support to more than 16,000 individuals impacted by the crisis in North Kivu.
In a region where conflicts have often narrowed horizons, these initiatives remind us of one essential truth: with the right support people can be protagonist of development.