The tenth edition of the Amani festival, a must-see cultural event in the Goma region, kicked off with great fanfare this Saturday, November 16 in the Ihusi village. This artistic gathering, which bears the name of “peace” in Swahili, aims to promote social cohesion and provide a platform for expression for local and international artists.
The Amani festival, a true symbol of unity, has won the hearts of thousands of festival-goers, not only from the 18 districts of the city of Goma, but also from various countries. This edition was marked by the presence of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which seized this opportunity to raise awareness and support the youth present on various sexual and reproductive health issues.
Charles Mbeetsa Bwale, Gender, Adolescent and Youth Program Specialist at UNFPA DRC, stressed the importance of this initiative to educate young people on essential topics such as the fight against gender-based violence, family planning and HIV/AIDS prevention. Thanks to the establishment of a mobile clinic, festival-goers had the opportunity to get tested and receive personalized advice.
Some young participants, such as Mulungu Patient, expressed their satisfaction with the services offered by UNFPA during the festival. These awareness-raising and prevention actions helped to strengthen collective awareness regarding the health and well-being of young people.
In short, the Amani festival goes beyond the festive and cultural aspect by becoming a space for education and exchange where peace, health and development are at the heart of concerns. This annual meeting serves as a vector for positive change in a region often marked by conflict, by encouraging the values of unity, solidarity and civic engagement.