Feature articles

Healing Hearts, Building Futures: The Transformative Power of Sports in Eastern DR Congo

May 29, 2024

Byolenganya Olo Bernoulli
Executive Director and Founder, CSC-Asbl

The Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a region of immense beauty and profound challenges. Decades of armed conflict, violence, and instability have left communities struggling with widespread displacement, human rights violations, and limited access to basic services. Amidst this landscape of adversity, the Community Support Center (CSC-Asbl) stands as a beacon of hope and resilience.

Founded in 2016 by Byolenganya Olo Bernoulli, CSC-Asbl is a grassroots organization dedicated to empowering vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, affected by conflict and natural disasters in the South Kivu Province. Olo’s personal journey, marked by overcoming the harsh realities of war, ethnic conflicts, and social injustice, inspired him to establish CSC-Asbl with a mission to promote human rights, gender equality, and community resilience.

Play for Peace and Mental Support (P4PM): Healing through sports

At the heart of CSC-Asbl’s initiatives is the Play for Peace and Mental Support (P4PM) program. Recognizing the transformative power of sports, P4PM aims to heal trauma, foster social cohesion, and promote gender equality among traumatized youths in the Eastern DRC. Through soccer, table tennis, jump rope… (all sports except boxing and judo) and local games like kaloke, kange and any others, CSC-Asbl leverages sports as a tool to improve social-emotional health and inclusion.

Promoting gender equality through sports

In the context of South Kivu’s complex social fabric, where gender inequality is pervasive, sport offers a unique platform to challenge traditional norms and empower women and girls. CSC-Asbl’s sports activities create safe spaces where girls can participate equally, build confidence, and develop leadership skills. By encouraging mixed-gender teams and promoting respect and cooperation, the P4PM program actively works to dismantle gender stereotypes and foster a culture of equality.

Himpower (HPE) and EmpowerHer(EPH)

The HimPower (HPE) and EmpowHer (EPH) programs by CSC-Asbl empower youth in conflict-affected Eastern DR Congo through skill development, mentorship, and community engagement. These programs focus on fostering leadership, promoting gender equality, and enabling economic independence by providing vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and continuous assessment to ensure impactful and sustainable youth empowerment.

“We’re thrilled to share the success of our recent inaugural sports extravaganza held on November 26th, 2023, at Kitundu Camp in DR Congo!” (from the CSC-Asbl LinkedIn account)

The challenges of operating in South Kivu

Operating in South Kivu presents numerous challenges. The region’s ongoing humanitarian crises, ethnic diversity, and environmental issues create a complex backdrop for CSC-Asbl’s work. Displacement camps are overcrowded, and access to basic necessities like food, clean water, and healthcare is limited. Ethnic tensions and the legacies of conflict further complicate efforts to build social cohesion and trust.

Moreover, the environmental impact of multinational corporations engaged in extractive industries, such as cobalt and copper mining, exacerbates the difficulties faced by local communities. These industries often exploit labor, including that of women and children, and contribute to environmental degradation, which in turn affects food security and livelihoods.

Achievements and impact

Despite these challenges, CSC-Asbl has made significant progress. Through its various programs, the organization has empowered over 2,300 women and children, helping them overcome trauma, build resilience, and pursue brighter futures. Testimonials from participants in the P4PM program highlight the positive impact of CSC-Asbl’s work:

- - “Our child’s confidence soared after joining CSC-Asbl’s Play 4 Peace program. We are grateful for the positive impact!” – George, President of Kitundu Displaced Persons Camp.
  - “CSC-Asbl’s Play 4 Peace initiative transformed my child’s outlook, fostering empathy and peace-building skills.”
  - “Being part of CSC-Asbl’s P4PM club empowered me to overcome challenges and embrace my true potential.”

Call for Collaboration and Partnership

The success of CSC-Asbl’s initiatives underscores the critical role of sports in fostering peace, healing trauma, and promoting gender equality. However, the need for support and collaboration is ever-present. To continue and expand its impactful work, CSC-Asbl seeks partnerships with individuals, organizations, and corporations that share its vision of creating a more just, equitable, and compassionate society.

How You Can Get Involved

1. 1. Become a Donor: Your generous contributions can help fund CSC-Asbl’s vital programs and services, making a tangible difference in the lives of those they serve.
  2. Partner Organization: If you represent an organization that shares CSC-Asbl’s vision, consider joining forces to maximize impact and reach even more communities in need.
  3. Volunteer Opportunities: Whether you’re a skilled professional or simply eager to lend a helping hand, CSC-Asbl welcomes volunteers passionate about making a difference.
  4. Corporate Sponsorship: Showcase your commitment to social responsibility by sponsoring CSC-Asbl initiatives and projects, while also gaining valuable brand visibility.
  5. Global Advocates: Spread awareness about CSC-Asbl’s work and mission in your networks and communities, amplifying their reach and impact worldwide.

Together, we can create a brighter, more equitable future for vulnerable populations in the DR Congo and beyond. By supporting CSC-Asbl, you contribute to healing hearts and building futures, transforming lives and communities for generations to come.

Conclusion

In the face of immense challenges, CSC-Asbl’s work in Eastern DRC exemplifies the power of community-driven initiatives and the transformative impact of sports. By fostering resilience, promoting gender equality, and advocating for positive change, CSC-Asbl is not only healing hearts but also building futures. Join us in this vital mission and help create lasting positive change for those who need it most.