Youth

Youth

It’s a bit odd driving or walking around. People are constantly staring at you with curiosity. Its kind of fun…except I my nature is to say hello to everyone looking at me. That’s a lot of people. Most seem to enjoy my attempted greetings, “jumbo” and “habari” in Swahili. Its quite possible, a few of the young children, I may be the first “muzungu” or “white man”, they’ve seen. A few have cried out in fear as they hide themselves in their mother’s arms. Their mother’s laugh as I reactively say sorry.

The city is filled with youth. I’ve been told that 50% of the population is under the age 16. With such a lack of infrastructure and higher education, the youthful spirit to help develop the country has limited outlets. There is a lack of leadership in the education and professional realm. Corruption reaches deep into society. Girls not expected to pass a course or grade are often given a proposition, “sex for a passing grade”. This form of oppression and others makes it difficult for girls to value themselves. The idea of a life beyond getting married or having kids still seems so far. For the boys, a “passing grade” can often be bought. They too, get caught up in the easy escape of sex and settling under a context that offers little.

Many people, including students, are from areas in the north and south. They were displaced during the most recent civil war. They fled their homes due to extensive ethnic clashes that resulted in the death of thousands. Beni, as described in my last post, has acted as a safe haven in the past. Remaining relatively peaceful the last four years.

I’ve presented a darker picture for a reason. This is the context the vision of the Congo Initiative and U.C.B.C. is striving to transform. Amidst hearing tragic stories and history, witnessing depravity and eyes that exemplify suffering, each day as I stand in front of the students at U.C.B.C their youthful energy fills the room and me. Here, hope is visible, Along with representatives at the opening conference, their passion to transform the community reaches far. Each day brings new excitement and ideas; and it’s just the beginning. It’s a privilege to be a part of something so significant and refreshing. Many obstacles and challenges lay ahead, but behind them lay peace and transformation.