Fr. Zenon Sendeke, provincial superior of Congo, speaks during the a recent workshop on youth in Kisangani

Improving the lives of youth in the midst of Congo’s violence

Many of Kisangani’s youth have only known a life of war and violence. Calm is often just a brief breath of fresh air in the midst of protest and conflict. The city is the third largest in the Democratic Republic of Congo and it reflects much of the struggles of the country itself.

In the midst of this, the Priests of the Sacred Heart created “Gradi-Jeunes,” a youth project that offers young people an opportunity to come together to learn about and dialogue on issues they face, as well simply spend time together in a safe environment. Occasionally the organization is able to gather enough funds to take young people out on a short excursion beyond the city.

Representatives from government, NGOs, schools and youth programs came together to speak of the needs of youth people — Representatives from government, NGOs, schools and youth programs came together to speak of the needs of young people

In mid-May, Grandi-Jeunes held a workshop in Kisangani with representatives from other youth organizations, as well as political, civil and military authorities. Titled “La Participation des Jeunes a la Lutte pour la Sécurité, la Paix et le Développement” [Youth Participation in the Struggle for Security, Peace and Development], the May gathering was first of three planned workshops focusing on the needs and concerns of young people.

Participants included the mayor of Kisangani and the commander of the National Police of Kisangani, as well as teachers and other educators. The police commander is pictured at the top with Fr. Zenon Sendeke, SCJ, provincial superior. The workshops are being held with the full support of the governor of the Eastern Province of the DRC. Funding is from the Office of the Minister of Youth, as well as the Priests of the Sacred Heart, in particular, the Canadian Region. The U.S. Province is a significant financial supporter of the Congolese Province in general.

“This workshop was an incredible success,” wrote Fr. François Muway, SCJ, the provincial secretary of Congo. “I am happy to share the photos.”