BANGUI, Centrafrique, 7 November 2024-/African Media Agency (AMA)/- More than 2,000 young people from Vakaga, the majority of whom are women, have learned a trade between 2021 and today thanks to the MINUSCA Community Violence Reduction (CVR) program implemented in Birao, Ouanda-Djallé, Terfel and Bachama. The objective of this program: to contribute to the pacification and stabilization of communities, to the strengthening of their resilience in the face of local and external conflicts, and to the recruitment of young people by armed groups.
Jafar Hamad Djerma, in his late thirties, is a former member of the armed groups. In 2019, he laid down his arms and joined MINUSCA’s community violence reduction program. “ It was after the 2019 conflict which shook Vakaga that I decided to leave the armed groups. Then, in 2021, I got enrolled in the CVR program. Today my life has changed, because I am able to provide for my family. This was possible thanks to the computer training I received. Since 2022, I have been training dozens of young people from Birao in IT. For me, it is an opportunity to contribute to the development of my region. I sincerely want to thank MINUSCA for giving me this opportunity. “, he said.
Many young people are now self-employed. Mohamed Moustapha Younouss, married and father of two children, was trained in electricity and painting. “I always wanted to be an electrician. This dream became a reality thanks to the MINUSCA CVR program which gave us installation kits after a few months of training. Today, I am self-employed with other beneficiaries. We have already installed solar panels in town. The money we earn helps us a lot. Because we manage to take care of our families “, he explained.
After six months in training within the CVR program, Esther Abazin is now a sewing trainer, specializing in women’s embroidery, “It was in 2021 that I followed sewing training thanks to the CVR. Then, I specialized in embroidery. From being a beneficiary, I am now a trainer. I share my knowledge with new people who are enrolled in the CVR program. I also work on my own. Thanks to the money I earn, I am able to send my four children to school “, she said.
Kaltouma Bichara chose to train in hairdressing, a profession that she finds exciting and popular in Vakaga. “Nowadays, women like wigs more. This is why during my three months of hairdressing training, I learned a lot about making wigs. After my training, I was equipped with hairdressing equipment. Today, I sell the wigs I make to women in Birao and its surrounding villages. The profits I earn allow me to support myself and my family “, she said.
Since 2021, more than 2,000 young people in Vakaga have been trained in various fields such as carpentry, catering, masonry, mechanics, sewing and hairdressing, thanks to the CVR program. For the year 2023-2024 alone, 700 beneficiaries, including more than 400 women, from Birao, Ouanda-Djallé, Terfel and Bachama, received professional training. This program is aimed at young people prone to violence, including young people associated with armed groups and/or self-defense groups not eligible for the national disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation program (PNDDRR), with particular attention paid to participation and integration of women.
Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) for the MINUSCA.
Source : African Media Agency (AMA)
2024-11-07 09:33:00
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vocational education and training cos’è
Eived vocational training aimed at enhancing their skills and improving their livelihoods. This initiative has not only provided them with the means to support their families but also contributed significantly to the overall stability of their communities.
The Community Violence Reduction (CVR) program, implemented by MINUSCA, focuses on reducing the influence of armed groups by addressing the root causes of violence and promoting economic opportunities. By equipping young people with skills in various trades, from sewing to electricity, the program facilitates their reintegration into society, fostering a sense of purpose and direction away from conflict.
The success stories of individuals like Jafar Hamad Djerma, Mohamed Moustapha Younouss, and Esther Abazin illustrate the profound impact of vocational training. Jafar now trains others in IT, Mohamed has become a successful electrician, and Esther has transitioned to a role as a trainer in women’s embroidery, all contributing to their communities while providing for their families.
These personal transformations reflect a broader movement towards peace and stability in the region, showcasing the importance of economic empowerment in conflict-affected areas. As more young people gain skills and find employment, the cycle of violence can be broken, leading to healthier, more resilient communities ultimately capable of sustaining peace.
the CVR program not only aids in immediate economic support but also plays a crucial role in community healing and long-term stability. The investments made in training and capacity building are weapons against the cycles of violence that have plagued the region. The efforts of MINUSCA and local participants signify hope, resilience, and a path forward.
