City of Goma: Programme of the Citizen University of the Democratic Republic of Congo

1. Background and justification

This programme is being implemented in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in the province of North Kivu. The latter is described as the hub of civic engagement in the country, with a dynamic youth population. An area characterised by inter-ethnic tensions and repeated wars for more than two decades. This has led to serious human rights violations that undermine the possibilities for harmonious development of women and youth. 

Young people are the majority of the population, but unfortunately they are under-represented in public institutions (provincial assembly, government, divisions, etc.) and automatically excluded from decision-making spaces. Young women continue to be affected by this exclusion. Congolese society is made up of 52% women, but they represent only 13% in the national assembly and 12% in the provincial assemblies. The question of the participation of young people, and more specifically of women, is therefore a major issue. Thus, the creation of a space for the initiation of young people in the fundamentals of governance and civic engagement has become a necessity. This is the reason for the development of the Citizens' University programme in the DRC. 

2. General objective of the programme (initiative)

To contribute to the civic education of Congolese women and young people so that they become real actors of change and builders of a new socio-political and economic order within their society.

2.1. Specific objectives

• To promote the culture of social, economic and political participation of women and young people in the Democratic Republic of Congo;

• To contribute to the emergence of women and young leaders who are passionate about becoming part of the country's decision-making bodies;

• To introduce women and young people to the methods and practices of good governance; 

• To promote the emergence of new women leaders capable of defending and claiming their rights through non-violent techniques. 

2.2. Methodological approach

• Intergenerational dialogue for the transfer of practical skills;

• Participatory pedagogy;

• Personalised follow-up in the field of commitment.

2.3. Results

More than 412 young people from civil society organisations (universities, associations, citizens' movements, NGOs, media, trade unions, political parties, churches, etc.) have benefited from the Citizens' University programme throughout 2022. For the current cohort we expect to reach 1000, as the same programme is already open in the neighbouring province of South Kivu.

Some of the young people who have benefited from this programme have become leaders and managers in public and private institutions. Many of them have developed their confidence level to engage as citizens in their communities.

2.4. Monitoring and evaluation

Our evaluation mechanism focuses on the collection of success stories (testimonials from participants) during and after the training period. 

Monitoring of indicators related to the participants' capacity for action, their level of confidence, their communication and mobilisation skills, their knowledge of good governance principles, assessment of their personal leadership, etc.

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