This project will support the expansion of four programs that build professional vocational trade skills and create economic opportunities for 200 former child soldiers. In addition this project will help expand the "kids helping kids" community reintegration and trust building initiatives.
For 18+ years the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has been embroiled in a bitter civil war that has affected over 40,000 children from the ages of 6-16. In 2013 the United Nations released the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC where it noted that conscripted child soldiers form 30% of soldiers operating in various militia groups in the DRC. This project impacts 200 former child soldiers through training in professional trades and re-entry into their communities.
Through professional trades programs in fields such as carpentry, tailoring, and agriculture plus creativity, reading and writing workshops new skills and confidence is built. In turn, new economic opportunities are created that offer new paths for their lives and brighter futures. Two noted play benefits for children are stress coping and regulating emotions, which makes community reintegration with "kids helping kids" play activities such as music, sports, and drama even more essential.
Working with a DRC based non-profit, this project will train in professional trades, where there is a local market demand, former child soldiers and other children impacted by the civil war. Long term they'll have economic opportunities and alternative pathways for their lives which will help them rise out of poverty and be contributing members of their communities. Equally this project rebuilds a sense of community and trust, while helping communities, families, and individuals to heal.
