**The Tumaini Festival celebrates resilience and civic engagement in Beni (North Kivu)**
Saturday July 26 marked the opening of the second edition of the Tumaini Festival in Beni, in the North Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Under the theme “Resilience, civic engagement and peace”, this cultural event holds great significance for the community of Beni, especially for its youth.
According to the city’s mayor, Senior Chief Commissioner Nyofondo Te-Kodal, the Tumaini Festival provides a valuable opportunity to show the true image of Beni to the world. Although it has often been associated with war and conflict, Beni is also full of talents and potential that deserve to be showcased.
The city authority also underlined the importance of the active participation of young people in the quest for peace. For him, the organization of this festival testifies to the accompaniment of the youth of Beni in the process of pacification of the region, hard hit by years of war.
During this first day, young entrepreneurs had the opportunity to present their innovations. Among them, Aline Bukele of the group “Jeune Accompli” which offers various local products such as popcorn and handmade shoes. She hopes to promote “local consumption” and publicize her services through the festival.
During the two days of the Tumaini Festival, visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy dances, theatre, art exhibitions and other forms of cultural expressions. This initiative testifies to the will of the youth of Beni to contribute actively to the construction of a peaceful and prosperous society.
In short, the Tumaini Festival in Beni is much more than a simple cultural event. He embodies the hope, resilience and civic engagement of young people in this war-torn region. It is a real showcase to showcase the talents and potential of Beni, while raising awareness of the need for lasting peace