The United Methodist Church is working to promote and restore peace in eastern Congo from the wounds caused by ongoing war in the region and decades of armed conflict and aggression,
In Uvira, more than 30 youth leaders recently received intensive training focused on combating juvenile delinquency. The initiative, supported by the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, aims to curb delinquency in a region where insecurity pushes many minors into marginalization.
The security situation in Uvira remains fragile, marked by persistent violence and nightly killings. The city still bears the scars of the occupation by M23 rebels, whose presence paralyzed local administration and educational structures before their withdrawal.
Although the front lines have shifted, the security vacuum left by successive waves of occupation has allowed pockets of resistance and urban banditry to emerge. The unrest has uprooted families and turned survival into a daily struggle for thousands of children.
Youth Leaders Train to Help Next Generation
For the Rev. Dumas Balegamire, superintendent of the Tanganyika District and initiator of the program, the stability of the region depends on the supervision of young people.
“To build a healthy society, we must combat anti-values one by one, this is only a first step. We plan to reach other districts, because juvenile delinquency often fuels local insecurity,” Balegamire said.
According to the latest reports from the South Kivu Social Affairs Division, juvenile delinquency has reached a critical threshold, now affecting 75% of the region’s young population.
During the training, the Rev. Clément Kingombe Lutala did not mince his words when describing the vicious circle that traps Congolese youth.
“This situation is due to poverty and socioeconomic insecurity, lack of employment, school dropouts, the influence of the street, alcohol, drugs, armed conflict, weak public policies and the economic exploitation of children,” Kingombe said.
Tackling Juvenile Delinquency at it’s Core
Sébastien Kasongo, leader of the United Methodist Youth in Uvira, believes that the training comes at the right time. “If we want harmonious development, we must tackle this delinquency, which is destroying social cohesion. I am personally committed to raising awareness among my peers,” he said.
Mwamini Dorote, a young participant, said she plans to share what she learned with her church’s grassroots church groups.
“It is a privilege to be part of this team of change,” she said. “This team will begin to fight against these anti-values that do not promote good development and social cohesion in our respective communities.”
United Methodist Bishop Antoine Kalema Tambwe, who leads the East Congo Episcopal Area, provided spiritual and strategic support for the initiative.
While encouraging young people to reject delinquency, he made an urgent appeal to international and national authorities.
“I encourage the young people of Kivu to fight with determination. I ask the Church and Society to continue to support us in strengthening family structures and providing psychosocial care,” Kalema said. “Finally, I urge the government of the DRC to guarantee access to education and restore lasting peace in the eastern part of the country.”
Your Generosity Supports Educational Efforts
By supporting the World Service Fund apportionment, you provide basic financial support to program-related general agencies, which are especially important to the common vision, mission, and ministry of The United Methodist Church.
Domestically the General Board of Church and Society agency addresses social issues on which The United Methodist Church has claimed a position. This agency communicates with policymakers and leaders around the world with the mission of transforming the world.
excerpt from story by Philippe Kituka Lolonga, communications officer for the Kivu Annual Conference.
This story shows the impact of the World Service Fund—one of seven apportionment funds of The United Methodist Church—to connect our hearts and resources in mission around the world. Through this fund, the Church supports global ministries, discipleship, evangelism, education, and social justice work that transform lives and communities. Together, we share the love of Christ across boundaries and bring hope where it’s needed most.
When your church contributes faithfully to the World Service Fund, you help the whole Church live out God’s mission in every place.
