Summary Brief Overview of Youth Development Perspectives in the Eastern Democratic Republic Of Congo
There is a robust network of experienced and dedicated civil society organizations and an enormous international aid presence in eastern DRC, with the capacity to support youth development through its various sectoral programs. Scores of local non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, and faith-based organizations play an important role in connecting youth with education, psycho-social support, and community-based activities, as well as positive role modeling, particularly for young females.
The importance and potential of youth leaders and peer groups in influencing development efforts was observed and noted by the research team. Parents, caregivers, and religious and community leaders were also found to be important stakeholders in this environment.
Overall, youth in the eastern DRC demonstrate enormous energy, entrepreneurialism, and the desire to engage in their economies and societies. They express a will to improve their own circumstances and that of their families and communities. While youth programs may not be able to reduce conflict on a broad scale or stimulate immediate economic and social transformation, they can nevertheless offer opportunities for young people to overcome – or at least minimize – the impact of conflict on their own lives. Existing development efforts in the eastern DRC should therefore take advantage of this demographic dividend, leveraging the work of other development organizations to strengthen the foundation for peaceful transformation in which youth are active, positive contributors to social, economic, and political life in the DRC.