Youth Clubs Against Violence
BY NESSIM STEVENSON & CHRIS KOUSOUROS
In Kinshasa, at the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo, there is a growing initiative called the Youth Clubs Against Violence. Lead by Promundo and the Living Peace Institute, the collaborative project helps youth at risk of involvement in street gangs known as Kulunas as well as young victims of violence. The clubs, so far established in three of the city’s provinces, brings together youth, aged 10 to 19, in a guided space of open communication, learning and healing. Themes such as gender roles, positive masculinity, sexuality, equality and violence are explored during 14 sessions over the span of three months.
Our team spent over a week covering this story, filming a short documentary which is currently in post-production. The film focuses on two characters, Jérémie and Baby Star. Both of whom shared with us heartfelt testimonies of change after having participated in the Youth Clubs. Jérémie has since reconnected with his family and continued his studies, aspiring to become an electrical engineer. Baby Star has discovered a talent for art and rap, weaving her experiences and the things she has learned into her music, which she hopes can help other young women see that they are not alone in what they are living through, and inspire them to turn their lives around.
