United Methodist Church Trains Youth in Congo to Combat Juvenile Delinquency

The United Methodist Church is stepping up efforts to foster peace in eastern Congo, where decades of conflict and ongoing violence have left deep scars on communities. In Uvira, a city still recovering from the impact of M23 rebel occupation, more than 30 youth leaders recently completed a training program aimed at addressing juvenile delinquency. The initiative, backed by the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, seeks to counter the growing influence of anti-social behaviors in a region where insecurity has pushed many young people into marginalization.

The security situation in Uvira remains fragile, with persistent violence and nightly killings continuing to disrupt daily life. The city’s infrastructure and educational systems were severely impacted during the rebel occupation, which disrupted local governance and left a power vacuum. Even as front lines have shifted, the absence of stable governance has allowed pockets of resistance and urban banditry to flourish, further destabilizing the area and uprooting families.

Rev. Dumas Balegamire, superintendent of the Tanganyika District and organizer of the program, emphasized the importance of guiding young people toward positive development. “To build a healthy society, we must combat anti-values one by one,” he stated. “This is only a first step. We plan to reach other districts, because juvenile delinquency often fuels local insecurity.”

According to recent reports from the South Kivu Social Affairs Division, juvenile delinquency has reached a critical level, affecting 75% of the region’s youth. Rev. Clément Kingombe Lutala, another participant in the training, described the complex factors contributing to the crisis. “This situation is due to poverty and socioeconomic insecurity, lack of employment, school dropouts, the influence of the street, alcohol, drugs, armed conflict, weak public policies and the economic exploitation of children,” he said.

Sébastien Kasongo, leader of the United Methodist Youth in Uvira, believes the initiative is timely. “If we want harmonious development, we must tackle this delinquency, which is destroying social cohesion. I am personally committed to raising awareness among my peers,” he said. Mwamini Dorote, a young participant, expressed hope that the training would inspire others. “It is a privilege to be part of this team of change,” she said. “This team will begin to fight against these anti-values that do not promote good development and social cohesion in our respective communities.”

At the end of the workshop, the participants issued a joint statement pledging to continue their efforts in promoting peace and social harmony. Their commitment reflects a broader United Methodist focus on addressing the root causes of conflict and supporting vulnerable communities.

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