Category: Sociocultural

** Unity at the heart of diversity: Cenco calls for peace in the face of linguistic stigmatization in the DRC **

In a context of growing tensions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the bishops of the Congo National Episcopal Conference (CENCO) warn against the “hunting and stigma of Swahiliphones”. This cry of heart resonates as a call for reflection on Congolese identity in the face of an alarming sociolinguistic fracture. By denouncing increasing intolerance, the bishops emphasize the importance of uniting the different linguistic communities around values ​​of respect and harmony. They propose that the Church plays a driving role in promoting social peace via intercommunity education and commitment to inclusive policies. To overcome this crisis, a change in mentalities is imperative, transforming stereotypes into a powerful unit lever. Linguistic diversity should not be a source of division, but a wealth to celebrate to build a common future.

** Incels movement: Understanding a worried phenomenon at the heart of the masculinity crisis **

In a world marked by increasing social fractures, the phenomenon of “incels” (involuntary singles) is revealed as a distorting mirror of male suffering. Formerly a space for sharing for isolated people, the term was diverted by men expressing hatred and frustration in the face of their loneliness, illustrating a disturbing drift towards radicalization. First, this movement highlights the societal challenges linked to toxic masculinity and the social pressure that weighs on men to comply with aggressive standards.

Young men, often vulnerable, represent an important part of the incels, locked in an isolation which is strengthened in the digital age. Far from being a marginal phenomenon, their discourse only reveals a deeper discomfort within male youth. To respond to this problem, a proactive education on gender equality and healthy relationships appears to be an essential necessity. The fight is not only limited to a fight against misogyny, but is a global call to create a more inclusive and respectful company. In this quest, each actor of society has a role to play, because it is together that we can hope to defuse this cycle of hatred and build a more harmonious future.

** Redefine retirement: luxury, care and social commitment **

Today, retirement villages like Evergreen in Muizenberg are transformed into refuges of comfort and well-being, far from the preconceived ideas of austere institutions. Under the influence of “Silver Tsunami”, these residences offer a new model based on “Life Rights”, offering a secure living environment, but also raising complex financial issues.

Modern retirees are looking for much more than a roof; They aspire to an active and committed life, where social interaction and mutual support are essential. Studies even show that these connections can improve life expectancy. Thus, it is crucial to change the stereotypical perception of retirement villages, often associated with loneliness.

With an offer enriched with various activities and cultural partnerships, these communities offer a space where everyone can flourish. By investing in his well-being, we discover a new sense of retirement: a period of joy, social bond and personal growth. Beyond the walls, it is the hearts that unite to live fully every moment of this phase of life.

### Mbuji-Mayi and Mwene-Ditu: Congolese youth answers the call

On February 19, 2023, hundreds of young people from Mbuji-Mayi and Mwene-Ditu mobilized to enlist in the Congolese armed forces, under the aegis of the Minister of Defense, Guy Kabombo Muandiavita. This phenomenon echoes a youth faced with major socio-economic challenges, with an unemployment rate bordering on 70%. The enrollment, perceived as an opportunity for dignity and security, reveals a deep feeling of patriotism in these young people, who see military service as a chance to change their destiny.

However, this dynamic raises crucial ethical questions. Would the army become an escape from a lack of opportunities, and what type of values ​​will be instilled in these new recruits? While the DRC is at a turning point, it is vital that the government ensures a real process of training and supervision, transforming this juvenile energy into a development lever for a changing Congo.

** Istanbul renews its metro schedules for Ramadan: towards mobility adapted to users **

As Ramadan approaches, Istanbul is preparing for a necessary upheaval of its metro schedules, orchestrated by the National Authority for Tunnels. This sacred month, carrying transformations in the daily lives of the inhabitants, leads to an increase in travel to mosques and night markets. By lengthening hours until 2 a.m. on certain lines, the city responds to growing demand, while integrating feedback from users collected via social networks. This change is not just a logistical question: it highlights a commitment to more inclusive and thoughtful urban mobility, a model that could inspire other large metropolises during festive events. With increasing traffic forecasts and better interconnectivity between lines, Istanbul shows that it is possible to reconcile traditions and modern transport.

** A ambitious social reintegration: education as a key in the Democratic Republic of Congo **

The recent endowment of 450 Pupitors at the Higher Institute of Applied Techniques (ISTA) in the DRC by national service raises essential questions on social reintegration and education. By integrating former bandits, the “Kulunas”, in this initiative, the government seeks to transform figures often feared into positive actors of society. Although it responds to an educational crisis marked by an academic abandonment rate of 37%, this initiative must be the beginning of a deeper change. The DRC, with its 77%literacy rate, needs reforms that combine educational infrastructure, inclusion and support for young people, to build a better future. This project underlines the need for a holistic transformation where everyone has their place and can contribute to the development of the country.

** Souleymane Cissé: an unforgettable cinematographic journey **

African cinema mourns the loss of Souleymane Cissé, a visionary master whose influence goes beyond the borders of Mali. At 84, he left behind an invaluable heritage, marked by emblematic works like “Yeelen” and “Genesis”, which question the identity, spirituality and the contemporary realities of Africa. Cissé was able to pay tribute to the cultural wealth of the continent while paving the way for new generations of filmmakers.

His career, in parallel to other pioneers like Ousmane, has deeply redefined the African cinematographic landscape, with a production of 20 films per year in the 80s to almost 1,500 today. His commitment to the transmission of his knowledge and his desire to initiate young creators promise a future inspired by his inheritance.

The disappearance of Cissé is not only a loss, it is a call to celebrate and preserve African stories, to encourage new talents and to invest in a cinema that remains a engine of social change and a vector of cultural dialogue . As long as the cameras turn, Souleymane Cissé’s spirit will continue to light up the stories to tell.

** Material languages: Keys to diversity and pillars of inclusive education **

On the occasion of the 25th International Language Day, it is crucial to recognize the vital role of languages ​​in the preservation of cultural diversity and in the promotion of fair education. Since the UNESCO Declaration in 1999, this day reminds us that mother tongues are much more than communication tools; They are the guardians of a collective memory and ancestral knowledge.

Unfortunately, almost 40 % of the world’s population does not have access to education in its original language, a problem that amplifies inequalities. The mother tongue is however essential for learning, increasing academic performance by 30 % compared to teaching in the second language. In addition, on the economic level, the valuation of languages ​​contributes to sustainable development and fruitful trade.

This year’s slogan, “languages ​​count”, encourages everyone to act to preserve this linguistic wealth and stresses that each language is a key to an inclusive, peaceful and prosperous future. By celebrating our mother tongues, we celebrate our humanity and we commit to building a fairer and diverse world.

** Pope Francis: symbols of resilience and hope in times of illness **

The recent hospitalization of Pope Francis, 88, reminds us of the fragility of spiritual leaders while highlighting their symbolic strength. While fighting bilateral pneumonia, François remains in contact with clerical figures in conflict areas, thus testifying to his commitment to peace. This personal fight becomes the catalyst for a reflection on the health of the elderly in our contemporary societies and recalls the importance of human dignity. The Catholic community, by its prayers and messages of support, illustrates a deep humanity and solidarity in these uncertain times. Beyond the medical issues, this situation raises essential questions about the perception of suffering and the end of life, bringing everyone to reflect on the very essence of our existence.

### Dance as a catalyst for change in the DRC: “Move to Change”

The Congolese artistic company Likit’Arts Kongo is launching a unique project, “Move to Change”, which uses dance as a tool for social transformation. Supported by the Initiative Construire Ensemble and the French Embassy, ​​this initiative aims to combine artistic creativity and societal issues, particularly on sensitive subjects such as gender inequalities in the DRC.

In a multidisciplinary approach, artists do not just perform, they tell stories that resonate with local realities. Events such as the Rencontre des danseurs festival in Kinshasa, hosting various creations, illustrate the importance of dance as a cultural and socio-political rallying point.

Beyond awareness-raising, “Move to Change” stimulates personal development in artists, offering them enriching training that redefines their art. By investing in the arts, the DRC could see the emergence of sustainable projects, conducive to a true cultural dialogue. This movement, far from being ephemeral, is part of a dynamic of hope for a conscious future, where each dance step contributes to social engagement and the construction of a strong collective narrative.