Thanks to a generous donation, we have been able to secure land and buildings for a Vocational Training Centre in the Rutshuru area of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This will be an exceptional tool in the process of demobilisation of child soldiers in the area.
The area of Rutshuru has experienced atrocities for over two decades leading numerous people to flee their dwelling places to live in displaced people camps and neighbouring cities. Wars, insecurity, land conflicts, ethnic conflicts and human right violations have robbed young people of their hope. The villages of Kieje and Bundasi have experienced scenes of fighting since November 2006. Children aged under 17 are forcibly required to join armed groups. Boys have to fight while girls become sex slaves for the soldiers. These children have been witness to killings, and many among them have been obliged to kill. Their childhood has been stolen from them.
According to a 2004 report by the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, all armed groups in the DRC – government and rebel – were using child soldiers, many of them under the age of 15 years. These children became a threat to their own community members. Between 2003 and 2006, DRC government began integrating the armed factions into the Congolese army. Congolese and international workers identified and removed many thousands of children from the ranks of armed groups and returned them to civilian life. There are a number of rehabilitation strategies to try and help these children reintegrate into their communities. However, the problem has not been fully resolved since a lack of employment could lead those child soldiers to re-join the militia.
This is where the Vocational Training Centre comes in. This is to be a centre where ex-child soldiers can grow skills in masonry, brick-making, carpentry, sewing and literacy, as well as being equipped to cope with civilian life. The Centre is part of a whole strategy which will provide access to teachers, classrooms, equipment and training. It will involve and collaborate with community chiefs and church leaders, provide networks with current professionals to help newly graduated students find jobs, and also provide chaplaincy and discipleship as these young people navigate the challenging but fruitful path into a new life.
"To all who mourn [...] he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory."
Isaiah 61:3
Above are the images of the land and buildings bought for the Tongo Vocational Training Centre. As you can see, there is lots of work to be done but we are very excited with the vision for the future of this project!