### Rehabilitation by art in North Kivu: a resilience project in Shasha
The locality of Shasha, nestled in the territory of Masisi in North Kivu, was recently the scene of a significant initiative to promote social reinstatement and well-being of young people affected by armed conflicts. In a context where war has left deep scars, the “Youth Raise Through Arts” project (Kijana Ana Simama Kwa Sanaa – Kasiks), carried by the ASBL Jua, aims to heal and rebuild spirits through artistic and sporting activities.
#### Context and project objectives
It has been years since the Northern Kivu region has faced recurring violence, especially between the AFC/m23 rebellion and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC). This climate of insecurity has caused trauma in many young people, who are often deprived of their childhood and their aspirations. The “Youth Raise Through Arts” project aims to give hope to these young people using tools such as dance, music and poetry to solidify community ties and promote resilience.
The first phase of this initiative has already enabled around twenty young people, through various workshops, to explore their creativity. Dance and poetry sessions are not only a form of entertainment; They are a crucial means of expression for these young people, offering them a platform to articulate their hopes and their frustrations. For example, testimonies from former children soldiers, such as Byenda Bihango Claude, highlight the therapeutic power of these activities. His journey, marked by loss and displacement, resonates with the experience of many others who have found a semblance of normality and comfort in dance.
#### Testimonies: Self -expressions and Hope of Peace
The stories shared by the participants reveal the deep impact that this program has had on their lives. Nsimire Bauma Ornella, a young girl from Shasha who fled to Goma, expresses her desire to transmit messages of peace through her poems. His experience during poetry sessions allowed him not only to open up to his experience but also to dream of a future where peace could prevail. His declaration highlights the importance of speech as a tool for healing and reconciliation in a society often darken by violence.
The charming trainer MWEPA underlines the need to transmit these skills and values to other members of the community. By promoting a sharing and exchange environment, the project aspires to generate a positive dynamic which could, in the long term, contribute to the reconstruction of the social fabric in a broader framework.
### Refrises and prospects for the future
Despite these encouraging perspectives, the path to a complete rehabilitation is strewn with pitfalls. The question of the sustainability of such initiatives remains crucial. What structures will be set up to continue supporting these young people beyond workshop sessions? Sporadic community support initiatives should be supervised by a more robust monitoring policy. The return to a certain normality requires continuous commitment from both NGOs and local actors.
In addition, support for local entrepreneurship and the creation of job opportunities are decisive elements to prevent these young people from returning to vulnerability. The testimonies of participants like Claude recall the harsh reality of the absence of economic perspectives, which could compromise the advances carried out through artistic programs.
#### Conclusion
The initiative of the ASBL Jua in Shasha is an eloquent example of the importance of the arts in the healing and social reintegration process. Using creative means, it helps heal invisible injuries caused by prolonged conflicts. However, the long -term success of this approach strongly depends on the capacity of communities to support these young people over time and to create opportunities that will allow them not only to dream of a better future, but also to realize it. The challenge therefore remains to align rehabilitation efforts with sustainable development strategies, while cultivating a community climate conducive to peace and collaboration.