Many young people in eastern DRC are growing up in extreme poverty, with limited or no access to consistent schooling, primary healthcare, or employment opportunities to support social mobility. All are victims of the ongoing cycle of active conflict and generational trauma and violence. With displacement a regular survival mechanism, these young people are even more vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, recruitment to armed groups and other forms of violence.

Since 2013, The Congo Tree has been investing in Congolese youth to equip solution-makers in North Kivu province in eastern DRC. Over the past 11 years, they have supported over 1300 young people. These young leaders have together set up 134 social actions in communities, meeting the specific needs of more than 13,000 people in need.

Through their WYLD programme, they train 24 young displaced people aged 13 to 26 each year in transferable life and leadership skills, setting them up in mentoring pairs and supporting them to design and lead on social action and creative enterprise projects in their own communities With displacement comes high levels of both physical and mental trauma, so therapy and support with increased resilience is essential, as well as practical aid.

Alongside the WYLD programme, ALMT funding will also support ‘Mwanzo Entreprise’ – a new entrepreneurial initiative helping to work closely with 25 alumni to establish five new small business enterprises and increase skills and employment opportunities for participants. Finally, the Mwanzo Artistique programme will mentor 12 individuals or groups of artists in peace-building through performance, equipping them to perform in local communities and displaced persons camps, and in two large events for up to 750 members of the wider community.

Overall the project will enable at least 61 young people to develop their leadership skills and commit to getting involved in problem-solving in their respective communities.