Service Education

A slam poet from Goma Slam Session performs for displaced youth. Photo credit AGIR RDC.

Our partners at AGIR RDC have been community leaders for more than a decade. Through their work they established credibility. University students volunteer their time to get practical and professional experience. Volunteers and community animators work with refugees, at school clubs, and with youth demobilized from armed groups. They are students at some of the universities in Goma, artists, and community members who want to make a difference.

AGIR provides training and supervision in surveys and data, reporting, group facilitation and mobilization. Students gain practical insight into the living conditions for many people who are displaced. Goma has been surrounded by multiple refugee camps for over 25 years.

Our partners work with local artists to lead events that help people learn and grow. Events are a magnet for youth without work, hope and purpose, and might provide opening to opportunity. Art is therapeutic and helps people to communicate emotionally. It lifts spirits and helps people to connect. Leaders use slam poetry, music, and drama to engage people of all ages. Art allows people to participate in community, to reflect, and to channel their energy in a positive direction.

AGIR trains community-selected leaders selected for skills such as counseling and teaching to be psychosocial assistants. These are respected community members who work closely with the counselors of AGIR and UFEDOC to provide healing and resilience activities for people in the camps.