Centre Jeunes Kamenge (CJK)
The CJK proves each and every day that peaceful coexistence is possible. Through its activities, a whole new generation of young Burundians are replacing hate and intolerance with a burgeoning understanding of human rights and a newfound respect for their neighbours.
Each summer, the CJK organizes several work and training camps. In 2005, one camp session brought together 1,750 young Burundians, 125 animators, and 42 young Europeans and the results were impressive:
- The youth fabricated 310,000 heavy-duty clay bricks to rebuild houses;
- They provided support to 160 families;
- They cleaned up streets and gutters covering dozens of kilometres; and
- Educational material was distributed to 2,200 people.
The centre is an inspiring success both at the local and international level, and in 2002 it received the "Right Livelihood Award" also known as "alternative Nobel Prize".
Listen to the experiences of some of the youth at the CJK:
Iteka: La Ligue Burundaise des droits de l’homme
Iteka works towards helping refugees from the civil war re-integrate into their communities.
Workers visited close to 24,000 households of returnees to assess their needs and direct them to the appropriate resources. Iteka, with support from the UN refugee agency UNHCR, helped construct 35,000 houses, 96 primary schools and 11 primary health centres.
About 15,000 returnees have also benefited from training in animal husbandry, baking and carpentry in order to facilitate their social reintegration. Young people in particular are brought into play in order to promote peaceful coexistence between communities.
Listen to staff members of Iteka describe their work:
