International Women’s Day 2018: Josephine’s Story
On International Women’s Day, we reflect upon the inspirational work of Josephine, an ex-combatant who has dedicated her life to helping child soldiers re-integrate back into their communities.
Category: Supporting ex-combatants
The bravery to escape the militia: Benedict’s story
Conflict is a normal part of life. Violence is not. This story is of 15-year-old Benedict*. Benedict was captured by a local militia group and forced to become a child soldier. But he knew this was wrong. One day, Benedict found the courage to escape. Now he is back home, earning a living and helping to put his younger sister through school.
In pictures: celebrating community radio in DR Congo
To commemorate World Radio Day, we offer a glimpse into a thriving network of community radio clubs in eastern DR Congo. Scroll through the photo series from photographer Greg Funnell to see how the local radio is saving lives and building livelihoods in the region.
Exclusive interview: the man who helped rescue 1,500 child soldiers
During a recent visit to DR Congo, Claire May (Head of Programme Funding) interviewed 30-year-old Blaise, a former combatant who now works for our partner Centre Résolution Conflits (CRC) rescuing and reintegrating soldiers from the bush. Here is his story.
Exclusive report: General Baraka’s one hundred children
Daniel Tamene, our Programme Finance Manager, recently travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo to visit our partner Centre Resolution Conflits (CRC). He accompanied CRC into the bush to see first-hand the negotiation process they manage every time they rescue and resettle child soldiers. Here is Daniel’s exclusive report from the field.
23 child soldiers released in DR Congo
We have just received news from the field announcing the successful release of 23 child soldiers in DR Congo. We have been working tirelessly over the past week to ensure their safe release and return.
Why is the ‘R’ in DDR – disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration – so important?
Giving child soldiers the chance of a decent life after the horrors of violent conflict is a crucial building block of long-term peace. Our partner in DR Congo, Centre Résolution Conflits, works with village leaders to makes sure former child soldiers have something to come back to.
The Peace Market, Congo
Mathew van Lierop, Peace Direct’s Head of Operations, visits the Marche de Paix – the Peace Market – in DR Congo. Built by former fighters, with help from Peace Direct, it is giving people a chance of a new life, building community interdependence, and strengthening inter-ethnic understanding.
A volunteer’s day in Congo
Alana Poole writes about her time time volunteering with one of Peace Direct’s partner organisations in DR Congo, and about the determination and courage of the local peacebuilders working to bring end violence in Congo.
When a 15 year old boy escaped the LRA, he couldn’t imagine what awaited him
“I was not sure of what to do with my life with all the stigma, abuse and lack of education. But with the training and help I got from CNSJ, I can now say that I have gained hope for the future.” Oketta smiles with relief, a 15-year-old rescued from the horrors of the Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda.