IDDRR
Community Support Centre (CSC/Asbl) – DRC
Supporting youth resilience in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
ORGANISATION
Commuity Support Centre (CSC / Asbl)
LOCATION
South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo
At the Community Support Centre (CSC-Asbl), the mission is to empower young people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through two impactful initiatives: Play4Peace and Mental Health Support (P4PM) and Himpower & Empowerher (HPE & EPH). These programmes aim to provide essential mental health support and practical life skills to communities affected by conflict and natural disasters, such as the devastating floods in April 2020.
P4PM harnesses the power of sport to unite boys and girls from displaced communities, fostering teamwork, emotional healing, and social cohesion. This inclusive approach promotes gender equality, ensuring that all participants develop resilience and the skills necessary to tackle future challenges.
Meanwhile, HPE & EPH focuses on nurturing entrepreneurship, leadership, and gender equality coaching. It empowers young people, particularly those living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps like Kitundu, to become community leaders and rebuild their lives through sustainable livelihoods.
Together, these programmes offer a holistic approach to disaster recovery, addressing both emotional well-being and the practical skills needed for community resilience. Through P4PM and HPE & EPH, CSC-Asbl is dedicated to helping young people in the DRC heal from trauma and actively participate in building a more equitable and resilient future.
From awareness to action, young people lead the way in pushing for climate and disaster resilience. This story and photograph is a part of our celebration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024. Members from across our network have shared their stories of youth-led or focussed resilience work. It demonstrates that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the changemakers today, driving forward local actions that build resilience to disasters and reduce risk.
All photos: CSC / Asbl