Goma, November 8, 2024 – In this tumultuous period that the city of Goma is going through, a voice is rising to propose an innovative solution to a persistent problem: juvenile delinquency. At the heart of this initiative is a vibrant call launched by young people to their peers, encouraging them to create small jobs to escape precariousness and become positive actors within their community.
Along the dusty streets of Goma, voices are heard, voices carrying hope and resilience. Dieu-Merci Amisi, a car washer, shares his vision: “If we are here washing vehicles, it is to provide for our basic needs, to avoid idleness which is often the breeding ground for delinquency. Working allows us to feel useful, to contribute to our own well-being and that of our families.” These simple words resonate as a call to action for a generation in search of opportunities.
Ramazani Musema, another young car washer, expresses his pride in practicing this profession. For him, every day of work is an opportunity to prove his worth, to earn his living honestly. He emphasizes the importance of these small jobs not only as a source of income, but also as vectors of learning and autonomy. Indeed, by launching into informal entrepreneurship, these young people acquire practical skills, strengthen their self-esteem and build bridges to a more promising future.
The post-conflict context that Goma is experiencing makes the initiative of these young people even more valuable. While unemployment is rife and job prospects are rare, the creation of small jobs becomes an act of resistance, a way to take one’s destiny into one’s own hands. More than just an occupation, these activities generate a sense of dignity and accomplishment among often marginalized youth.
By encouraging their peers to get involved in local economic initiatives, these young people initiated into self-management become inspiring role models for their community. Their commitment and determination reflect a generation in search of meaning and social justice. Through their actions, they are paving the way for a more united, more inclusive future.
Thus, through the creation of small businesses, these young entrepreneurs from Goma are challenging norms and stereotypes. They prove that determination and hard work can transform obstacles into opportunities. Their voice, full of hope and resilience, resonates like a call to action, a call to build a better future together. And what if, ultimately, it was in these small everyday actions that the key to profound and lasting change lay?