KAVUMU, South Kivu, April 15, 2026 – More than 80 young people from Miti, Kavumu and Kashusha in Kabare Territory, South Kivu Province, have received entrepreneurship training aimed at strengthening their economic independence and promoting peaceful coexistence among communities.

The training was organized by the New Hope Reconciliation Center (NHRC), with financial support from Congo Peace, on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the New Hope Academy Technical Center in Kavumu.

The session was facilitated by Tim Cooke, a partner from the United States, who shared his expertise and practical experience in establishing, developing and managing income-generating activities.

Equipping Young People with Practical Business Skills

According to the organizers, the initiative seeks to strengthen the entrepreneurial capacities of young leaders, enabling them to establish their own businesses, generate income and become more economically self-reliant.

During the training, participants explored several key areas of entrepreneurship, including identifying business opportunities, innovation, effective sales techniques and sound financial management

The sessions were designed to provide practical knowledge that young people can apply directly to their existing businesses or use to develop new economic initiatives within their communities

For many participants, the training was an opportunity to gain valuable skills that could improve their livelihoods and strengthen their business activities.

Sifa Bitorwa, a local trader who attended the training, expressed her gratitude to the organizers and facilitator, highlighting the practical benefits of the lessons.

“We thank our trainer, Tim, and the NHRC team. Through this training, I now know how to sell my goods more effectively and introduce innovations into my business,” she said.

Other participants also welcomed the initiative, expressing their commitment to putting the knowledge acquired into practice to expand their businesses and pursue new economic opportunities.

Entrepreneurship as a Pathway to Peace and Social Cohesion

Beyond economic empowerment, the initiative also reflects NHRC’s broader commitment to peacebuilding and social cohesion in South Kivu.

By bringing together young people from different communities, the training created an opportunity for dialogue, interaction and collaboration.

The organizers believe that empowering young people economically can contribute to reducing vulnerability, strengthening community relationships and encouraging peaceful coexistence.

In this context, entrepreneurship is viewed not only as a means of generating income but also as a tool for building stronger, more resilient and united communities.

NHRC Also Organizes Interfaith Prayer Gathering for Peace in Bukavu

Alongside its youth empowerment activities, the New Hope Reconciliation Center organized a prayer gathering for peace in Bukavu, at the Methodist Church premises in Muhumba.

The event brought together worshippers from different religious backgrounds who united in prayer for lasting peace and reconciliation in South Kivu.

During the gathering, NHRC Executive Director, Pastor Joseph Harera, presented the organization’s mission and vision, emphasizing its commitment to reconciliation, unity and peaceful coexistence among communities across the province.

Through these complementary initiatives, NHRC continues to promote a holistic approach to peacebuilding, combining youth economic empowerment with interfaith engagement and community reconciliation.

As South Kivu continues to face significant social and economic challenges, initiatives that equip young people with practical skills while strengthening relationships between