In the small village of Kabutonga, in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of congo , life is overshadowed by relentless conflict.
For decades, tensions between the Bantu and Twa communities have left villages devastated and generations of youth without hope. It is in this harsh reality that Alima Noëlla grew up, a young girl whose story is a testament to extraordinary resilience.
In her village, boys often join armed groups, while young girls, left to fend for themselves, fall into prostitution or theft.
Alima could have followed the same path, but her life took an unexpected turn thanks to an initiative bringing transformative change: a project focused on women’s involvement in conflict resolution through Peace Huts.
Funded by the Fund for Congolese Women, with the support of the ZIVIK program from the Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa), this project was implemented by the local organization Wapandiji. Through dedicated awareness campaigns, Alima was identified and encouraged to pursue a different path.
She eventually left Kabutonga for Kalemie, where a training center established by the same Peace Huts project welcomed her. There, she discovered a different world, one filled with possibilities and hope.
She chose to learn tailoring, a skill she now describes as her lifeline.
With a serene smile, Alima shares:
“If I hadn’t had this opportunity, I don’t know where I would be today. Maybe in the streets, maybe worse… But thanks to this training, I know I can build something solid for my future.”
Her dream is big, but her heart is even bigger. She aspires not only to rebuild her life but also to one day return to Kabutonga. She wants to share her story with other young girls, showing them that a different path is possible, one far removed from violence and despair.
“One day, I will go back home. I will tell them that we can be stronger, that we can change our lives,” she says with determination.
Alima Noëlla’s story highlights the impact of local initiatives that address the root causes of problems, while also emphasizing the importance of supporting young people, especially girls, in conflict-affected areas.
In a world where the shadows of conflict often seem overwhelming, Alima stands as a beacon of hope, proving that even in the most remote and forgotten places, human resilience can prevail.