**Voluntary Recruitment for National Service: A New Opportunity for Youth in Lualaba?**
In a context where socio-economic challenges are multiplying in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the provincial Ministry of the Interior of Lualaba recently launched an appeal for young people to enlist in national service. This initiative, communicated on January 2, 2025, seems to aim to give a second chance to a segment of the population that is often neglected: young people who are unemployed, have broken off family ties or are simply looking for a rewarding occupation. Although this approach is commendable, it is imperative to ask whether it really meets the needs of young people and whether it can truly contribute to building the country.
### A Response to Socio-Economic Inertia
In the province of Lualaba, where the youth unemployment rate is alarming, enlisting in national service could seem like a remedy. According to recent statistics, nearly 60% of young Congolese are unemployed, a figure that highlights the urgency of significant interventions. However, the question arises: can national service truly offer relevant skills and a bright future to these young people in search of guidance?
The program positions itself as an educational opportunity, allowing participants to acquire professions that could make them useful to society. However, it remains to be proven that the training offered is truly adapted to the realities of the Congolese job market. The professions taught must meet the needs of the local economy and allow for concrete professional integration.
### Issues and Perspectives
Under the direction of Major General Kasongo Kabwik, the Kanyama Kasese pilot coaching center seems promising in terms of psychosocial and professional coaching. The recent transfer of more than 200 young people to this program demonstrates a certain interest among young people. However, it is essential to analyze the results of previous sessions as well as the professional integration rates after the training.
A comparison with similar initiatives in other African countries could provide interesting insights. For example, national service in Ethiopia has trained thousands of young people, with a rate of integration into the job market reaching 35%. In contrast, poorly managed programs in West Africa have produced only symbolic applications and few concrete results. The experience of other nations could thus guide Lualaba in the implementation of its initiative.
### Participant Profile: A Cult of Diversity
It is also remarkable to note that the program is open to unemployed young people, from varied backgrounds, without distinction of social status. This diversity can be a major asset, by promoting the exchange of ideas and life paths, but also represents a challenge. Disparities in training, motivation and expectations must be taken into account in order to ensure a coherent atmosphere within the groups. It would be wise to set up orientation and personal development sessions to maximize the effectiveness of this diversity.
### The Crucial Role of Local Actors
The success of this initiative will also depend on the synergy between government agencies, NGOs and the private sector. Active and effective collaboration could lead to partnerships that would guarantee direct placements of young people in companies, and thus promote sustainable integration.
Local economic actors must be involved from the start, because they are the ones who will directly feel the effects of a successful program. In addition, the involvement of local authorities could contribute to raising awareness, enhancing the image of national service and generating enthusiasm among young people.
### Conclusion: A Future to Be Clarified
The recent initiative of the provincial ministry of Lualaba is undoubtedly a response to a problem deeply rooted in Congolese society, that of young people in search of meaning and place. However, it is crucial that this program be managed with rigor and vision, by guaranteeing practical training adapted to market realities. In a country rich in resources but often plagued by inefficiency, it is time for projects like this to be implemented with seriousness and ambition, in order to give each young person the chance to contribute to building a prosperous nation.
Through this approach, the province of Lualaba could well lay the foundations for renewed optimism, but everything will depend on the real and collective commitment of the actors involved. Young people, as the drivers of the future, deserve guidance that leads them towards better tomorrows.