Our first three months of 2026
The first three months of 2026 were marked by our ongoing commitment to young people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in the east of the country. Against a backdrop of ongoing conflict, we have once again witnessed the courage and resilience of thousands of young people. Every day, we have worked to support their personal development and help them become agents of change in their communities. Despite the challenges, we are proud to be helping to write a story of transformation driven by the Congolese youth.
In Goma, where our teams, volunteers and young people are based, living conditions remain difficult due to the prolonged closure of banks and the airport. Yet, despite these challenges, the young people continue to show remarkable resilience and an unwavering determination to build a better future.
Against this backdrop, our WYLD programme has welcomed a new cohort of 33 young leaders embarking on a year-long journey focused on personal development and community leadership. Through intensive sessions and a mentoring scheme, these young people are learning to become solution-makers in their communities. The initial results are encouraging, with 100% of participants reporting that they have improved their problem-solving skills. One young participant said: “I discovered the leader within me. Today, I’m taking the lead to bring about positive change in my community.”
Our other programmes have also continued to make a difference. The psychological support club continued to provide a safe space where more than 50 young people each month share their experiences and rebuild their resilience in the face of the trauma of conflict. The Peace for a Future programme strengthened young people’s commitment to peace, notably through our role as co-chair of the Youth, Peace and Security coalition, which brings together more than 50 organisations in North Kivu. Furthermore, Mwanzo Entreprise supported more than 50 start-ups, helping to create over 250 jobs, whilst Mwanzo Artistique enabled young artists to convey messages of peace through their talents. Finally, in March, we celebrated young girls and their vital role in building a more resilient and inclusive community.
The Congo Tree
