Promoting peace in conflict areas

As armed violence continues to tear apart the territory of Walikale, some populations in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are divided and in conflict. The story of Sifa and Chantal, two schoolchildren who live in the same neighbourhood, is an illustration of the climate of tension in this area of North Kivu province.

The two girls became enemies after a quarrel at a water point after school. As Chantal waited patiently for her turn, Sifa cut in line and wanted to go in front of everyone else. Chantal confronted her and the two girls fought and would not speak to each other afterwards.

It was only when UNICEF set up peace education courses with the support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the German Development Bank (KfW) that the two girls began to communicate with each other again.

"My role as a teacher is to educate and empower young people towards peacebuilding," explains Emmanuel, the trainer accompanying Sifa and Chantal.

Through the teachings and recreational games that help deal with frustrations, Sifa and Chantal have reconciled. "This training has helped us to understand that quarreling is not the way forward," says Chantal. In her community, many young people are in conflict because of misunderstandings that are never clarified due to lack of guidance and counselling.

In addition to strengthening social cohesion, UNICEF is helping young people become self-sufficient through vocational training. Chantal and Sifa have enrolled in a sewing course and plan to start a sewing workshop together after their training. "We want to strengthen the unity between us and be role models for young people," concludes Sifa.