INTRODUCTION
All the activities under CDRC took place during the month though there were a lot of adjustments to be made as a result of the Budget cuts that were made which affected the number of staff under CDRC. People in the community and those being repatriated are so happy with the skills they receive from CDRC as these people realize the benefits and importance of these activities for self sustenance especially as they repatriate back Home to Congo.
NON VIOLENT COMMUNICATION
Introduction
Non Violent Communication did so well for the month of October as the program introduced some outreach activities in the sections as a way of targeting many people. The program was combined with radio sessions from Search for Common ground to give the people from sections a broader picture of peaceful living. During these sessions, people are given time to ask questions so that clarity can be given to all for a better understanding of the topics.
Statistics / Indicators
There is need to raise awareness campaigns for Non violent Communication sessions for men in the camp as they are the people who fail to communicate passionately with each other and women most of the times. The number for male students needs to increase in the coming months to the same level as that of women.
Substantial Problems / Issues
The program had no major encounters of problems during the month. The program has so much signs for potential success therefore, it should continue.
Wishes / Requests
Every thing is in place. The project has all of its necessary needs as of now.
Upcoming Activities / Events
Non Violent Communication sessions continue in the community to give all or as many people as possible its benefits on positive living and relationships building in the community.
REINTEGRATION
Introduction
At the end of October, some members of the refugee community received letters from Congo written by some returnees who recently repatriated back to Congo. These letters and notes were trying to encourage those that are still in the camp to learn reintegration skills and other workshops offered at FORGE as these returnees found the benefit of this knowledge the time that they returned back to Congo as the said that they were able to reintegrate and not wasting time on revenge.
The above statement shows that individuals now realize that it is time that all participated in the rebuilding of their nation and focusing on peaceful living. As such, this attracted a good number of participants where 45 students were awarded with certificates after their workshops.
Statistics / Indicators The students were regular for their classes. Short and intense classes were also offered to those who registered to go back to Congo. Short and intense class had 12 students in total.
Substantial Problems / Issues
It has been observed that the lessons need more time of teaching to help students understand their lessons deeper. Unfortunately, with the budget cuts, the teachers’ time was over reduced which have resulted in the teacher rushing the lessons leaving the students with a lot of questions which can also not be answered well since the teachers’ time was reduced from 25 hours to 10 hours. For the future, I (Carol) recommend that time can be increased again for certain teachers if the budget will allow giving teachers enough time of teaching.
Requests / Wishes
The project is requesting management to increase hours of all teachers a bit in future if the budget will allow so that teachers can have enough time to teach and also exhaust questions from students, so that students are not left in suspense.
SEARCH FOR COMMON GROUND
Introduction
Search for Common Ground received new material from UNHCR for listening session in October. After this news was announced at the section leaders meeting, it attracted many people to participate in these sessions as many people wanted to know what was prevailing in Congo before they could make up their minds to return back home. These tapes and CDS have information of peace in them and how those that have repatriated have managed to start their life in Congo. According to hear say, people have expressed the desire to return home in larger numbers next year as these CDS and tapes gave them motivation and encouragement for returning home.
Statistics / Indicators There was a good attendance of students for SFCG sessions
Substantial problem and issue SFCG did well in November and the project was privileged to receive colleagues from SFCG Congo, the two groups combined for theatres at various places of the camp to perform on conflict resolution. This also become a golden chance for both teams to ask each other questions so as to find new ways of improving their work and certain programs better.
Wishes& request
The staff will be happy is UNHCR can give respond to all questions that arise from SFCG as participants always want clarity which is only supposed to come from UNHCR. I (carol) will remind the protection officer to respond quickly to these questions.
Upcoming activities& events
There is a plan for a performance this month with the title, “ PAMOJA TUCHEZE ” meaning ( let us dance together ) the idea behind this performance will be to show people how to meet a new community, blend and share life and other things in common, like resolving conflict together, have leadership cooperation in our society and so on.
BUSINESS AFFAIRS
Introduction
It is evident that improvement is taking place under business affairs as the students valued their lessons so much which was seen by their attendance and frequency in attendance. The rains were the only and main hinderance to attending classes that these students faced as it rained so much during the month.
Substantial Problems / Issues
The program did well. There were no major challenges encountered during the month except for the reasons already stated in the previous lines which are the rains and repatriation as the students left their lessons half way due to the repatriation process. The challenge with the rains will be resolved early March 2009.
Upcoming Activities / Events:
There is a planning to conduct a Participatory Assessment in order to see the impact the department of Business affairs makes to the Community in Kala. This will also help teachers to evaluate their work and find measures to improve for the better.
Monthly visit to the CDRC project
CDRC project received visitors from various places. Some were from Congo DR, IPS, operating in Kala Camp, the Zambian’s community and mostly from within the community in Kala Camp. Some visitors came to CDRC to get information on skills that the project offers to the community, while others like the visitors from Congo wanted to share ideas with CDRC staff on how best the two parties can collaborate and share information so as to improve work. 50 people in total visited CDRC office during the month.
By Carol MaamboIntroduction:
For the month of September, all the programs under CDRC run successfully. All the activities in the project progressed well. Unfortunately, two of the CDRC staff Andrew and Le Bon are a little bit unwell, recovering after being hospitalized.
BUSINESS AFFAIRS & COMMUNITY ECONOMICS
i. Introduction:
Business Affairs and Community Economics classes have become so valuable and well liked within the Kala community as many people have realised how important it is to be knowledgeable about doing personal or collective business with guidance and rules for sustainability. With the education given to the community through Business Affairs and Community Economics, no one wishes himself to fail in what he does, instead the people now aim to succeed for self sufficiency and development.
ii. Indicators and statistics:
I think the that this year’s Theme on World Women’s Day, “Investing in Women and Girls for Sustainable Development,” made an impact on the lives and decisions of women in kala as women and girls were reminded of the active role they need to take as co-workers with men on matters related to development. It is good to see a high number of women that participated in Business Affairs and Community Economics as women now also realised that they can rise to heights in society if they work hard.
iii. Substantial problems/issues:
Students need to know and work with the related business affair accountancy documents such as ”ANALYSIS BOOKS,” which can not be purchased from Lusaka not Kawambwa. We request Alyssa to make this purchase on behalf of the CDRC Project.
iv. Wishes/request
Bigger numbers of participants request that these classes get conducted from within their sections to cut on distance of going to attend these classes from the high school. Analysis Books can be purchased from one time capital request from Alyssa so that students can have their lessons simplified.
v. UPCOMING PROJECT ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
CDRC / Business Affairs and related lessons should also be taught at the departure center during repatriation days in order to re-emphasize well on what students learned and how they should always practice what they’ve acquired from C D R C business affairs /community economics skills for self sufficiency once they reach Congo D R. instead of becoming beggars relying on community or family assistance.
NON VIOLENT COMMUNICATION
I. INTRODUCTION
The project it still providing the Kala refugee community with skills for communicating compassionately with each other and with people whom they will find to Congo after they repatriate. is that we are still doing the best in order to start a new session.
II. INDICATORS AND STATISTICS
III. SUBSTANTIAL PROBLEMS/ ISSUE
Non Violent Communication run smoothly in September as there were no problems encountered during the month.
IV. WISHES AND REQUEST
Nothing big to be pointed out
V. UPCOMING PROJECT ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
There is a plan to have a new session in the community for nonviolent communication to cut down on distance to the past learning venue so as to attract big numbers of participants in the community.
YOUTH GROUP ACTIVITIES
1. INTRODUCTION
This project has an ambition of educating youth to come together in order to discuss their concerns about repatriation and reintegration in their new communities in Congo. Unfortunately, as a result of many meetings that happened in the camp on repatriation, the youth became so busy following these meetings to get information for themselves from delegates in the end missing their classes. It was also difficult to organise these youth as many of them were on school holiday meaning that they became busy doing piece works around the community so as to find school materials and other essential needs when schools re-opened end of September. Youths have to be re-organised soonest as they can be found in school in bigger numbers now.
2. INDICATORS AND STATISTICS
N/A
3. SUBSTANTIAL PROBLEMS/ ISSUE
The Youth Group is also lagging behind because management did not see the need to purchase equipment for the youth like Microphones and a big radio which is a dependence syndrome difficult to rub off from this community as other IPS have already spoiled refugees into thinking that refugees can only perform if they have instruments. The youth though interested in these activities see the need to be paid a salary by FORGE Management for their time since they have many needs to meet in their lives.
4. WISHES AND REQUEST
Request for two youth groups employees so that they organise the group at 15hrs per month
5. UPCOMING PROJECT ACTIVITIES AND EVENT
There will be a meeting on 12th of October, 2008 so that the youth group can be re-organised.
REINTEGRATION
i. INTRODUCTION
Reintegration information is vital to the Kala community as people begin to see the importance of starting life anew even after disorganization of war. This becomes a turning point for hope, for a brighter future and learning to stay in peace with others.
ii. INDICATORS AND STATISTICS
iii. SUBSTANTIAL PROBLEMS
The Statistics and Indicators have reduced so much because volunteers are no longer motivated to sensitize for participants in the community as they feel that they have volunteered enough for FORGE. The CDRC project has only three staff who are suppose to teach so hiring an extra staff to sensitize and raise awareness campaigns and recruitment of participants for sessions will benefit all the programs under CDRC
iv. WISHES AND REQUEST
To hire 1 Recruitment staff who will work 15 hrs per Month
v. UPCOMING PROJECT ACTIVITIES AND EVENT
Continuation of current program
REPATRIATION INFORMATION
I. INTRODUCTION
Repatriation Information Sessions have continued attracting huge numbers of participants probably because repatriation has continued and people are anxious about going back to Congo. Participants want to know the process of repatriation so that they can make informed decision about going back to Congo. Because of continued speculations about fights in various parts of Congo, refugees aren’t registering in big numbers to go back to Congo. Of course, there are other lame excuses given by refugees about not wanting to return home like people are still preparing themselves but the above session help people to see the importance of repatriating home and being participating in rebuilding Congo as a nation not individuals.
INDICATORS AND STATISTICS
II. POSSIBLE EXPLANATION FOR INCREASE IN CLASS ATTENDANCE
In Repatriation Information Session there is big number of participants also due to the sessions that are being done at the repatriation transit centre during repatriation convoys. It means each and every one who is going back to DRC can not leave without getting some information concerning repatriation.
III. SUBSTANTIAL PROBLEMS
The CD player / radio stopped functioning properly. This became a hindrance in terms of sessions progression as this program involves playing of CDS and tapes in some cases.
IV. WISHES AND REQUEST
Buying a new radio will be necessary for these sessions in future. It will also become necessary to acquire some updated repatriation information materials from UNHC about the different places people are planning to repatriate to about security, health, education, and life in general.
V. UPCOMING PROJECT ACTIVITIES AND EVENT
There will be a repatriation theatre entitled: NO PLACE LIKE HOME...
SEARCH FOR COMMON GROUND
i. INTRODUCTION
The program for Search for Common Ground went on very well. People were as usual interested in the sessions both at the office centre and at the departure centre. The only draw back was with the radio which stopped functioning well. This means that people could not listen to the Search for Common Ground tapes and CDS.
ii. INDICATORS AND STATISTICS
iii. SUBSTANTIAL PROBLEMS
The people in the community are so interested in getting the news for themselves from the radio so repairing it will help attract a lot of participants at the centre. New information about Congo will also benefit participants more on issues about Congo which seem difficult to acquire in Kala
iv. WISHES AND REQUEST
There is need for a new radio which has a CD player so that listening sessions can continue. Forming a drama group for conflict transformation activities (Peace Acting Group) will also facilitate in neighbour conflict resolution as people return to Congo which will lead to an easy way of mingling as citizens of the same country.
v. UPCOMING PROJECT ACTIVITIES AND EVENT
There is a plan about forming a peace group that will present sketches on matters of peace and reintegration at the departure centre.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
I. INTRODUCTION
In this month the department has gone more positively because all the participants are very much encouraged to attend the class. Because of some of explanation we gave about the skill we are giving and how it can help them when they will be repatriated in Congo. This program achieved its goal during the past month. People are happy to get this training as it helps them become leaders in themselves. After attending classes on Community Development people get empowered with skills on integral development of the whole person, therefore being agents of development for themselves and for their communities. This is important as it brings about self reliance and creativity in all individuals.
II. INDICATORS AND STATISTICS
III. SUBSTANTIAL PROBLEMS
The department had no major problems during the month. A good number of people attended the classes on community development despite for disturbances of un foreseen meetings and food distribution which caused participants to be late for classes on certain occasions.
IV. WISHES AND REQUEST
An additional staff requested above will help in the smooth running of this project under CDRC.
V. UPCOMING ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
Continuation with the current sessions to the end.
By Carol MaamboINTRODUCTION:
The community driven repatriation centre (CDRC) project activities were successfully during the month of October. It became easier to do activities under CDRC as seven people were hired particularly to recruit students for all new repat activities.
Short and intense workshops for refugees who wish to repatriate have continued under; Nonviolent communication, community development, reintegration, SFCG, Business Affairs and Community Economics. These workshops are intended to give returnees reintegration skills as they return back to Congo so that they can become independent.
I. BUSINESS AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
INTRODUCTION:
Business Affairs also incorporated short and intense workshops in its programmes to help refugees who intend to repatriate acquire good skills of managing personal business.The refugee community is excited to be given this opportunity of having short workshops before they repatriate as they realise how important this knowledge they will acquire will help them build their lives in Congo as all of them are expected to start life from scratch.
Refugees strongly feel that knowledge is power.
II. REINTEGRATION DEPARTMENT
Introduction:
Recruitment of extra staff under CDRC has helped make reintegration classes a reality as not only did reintegration teach the already exixting classes, reintegration also managed to start short intense classes for returnees.
Reintegration workshops are a very important aspect in the lives of returnees as it becomes a guiding tool to live in peace as they return home. People are taught on reconciliation, forgetting the past so that people can all have a sense of belonging and build their nation instead of having revenge to their past enemies.
SUBSTANTIAL PROBLEM & ISSUES
There were no major problems encountered during the month.
WISHES & REQUEST
The project has necessary needs therefore work can operate normally.
UPCOMING EVENT & ACTIVITIES
The department will carry a survey in kala to see how many people have actually benefited from the reintegration classes so that new plans can be made to see how possible it can be to reach to a wider range of people with reintegration information.
III. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
INTRODUCTION:
Community development programme run successfully in October. 23 people were awarded with certificates with 15 male and 8 female, while short and intense classes also managed to train 13 people who were also repatriated after the short course.
REQUEST & WISHES
The project has its necessary needs as of now.
UPCOMING EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Recruitment for classes toilored on repatriation will continue aimed at giving returnes reintegration skills as they go back to Congo.
IV. NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION
INTRODUCTION:
Non Violent Communication has continued attracting many people from the community as it helps build up open communication starting with the individual person, couples, family and the large community.
People have now realised how helpful NVC is in their community especially that people are seriously making up their minds on being repatriated back to Congo a place giving them many thoughts of fear and anxiety because of the trauma others have for the past war they experienced. NVC helps these people to be passionate with each other in communication so that this can be the first point of peace in life.
SUBSTANTIAL PROBLEMS/ISSUE
The programme had no challenges during the month. All its activities went on without interruption of any sort.
WISHES & REQUEST
The project has sufficient supplies to enable it run to the end of the month.
UPCOMING EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
A new session which will start as the old one graduated.
V.SEARCH FOR COMMON GROUND
INTRODUCTION:
Search for common ground project had positive results during the month of October. 52 people were trained under search for common ground and many people also had the opportunity to listen to live radio recordings from “WOTE TUKUTANE TENA” which means “Let us meet again.” Tukutane wote radio gives current affairs to refugees about peace and other related subjects from Congo.
SUBSTANTIAL PROBLEMS &ISSUE
As stated that the radio is not working well for CDs, this becomes a draw back in doing work with efficiency. With the budget cuts that just occoured, it will call for a lot of sacrifice in terms of buying certain supplies so that these funds can stretch to the stated time as projects like CDRC are naturally expensive to run because of their nature.
WISHES & AND REQUEST
CDRC is requesting for a CD radio player which can be used for SFCG and NVC listening session as the old radio is not working. A new radio will also help the CDRC staff to not just be limited to teaching at the CDRC office but also reach to sections of the camp since the project has its own battery to supply the radio with enough power. Taking the radio listening sessions will facilitate in reaching out to many people under SFGC considering that the CDRC room is so small to accomodate many people at once.
UPCOMING EVENT & ACTIVITIES
CDRC will be conducting search for common ground programmes in the community possibly in all sections. Section leaders have already been notified about the programme so that they also can help in disseminating information to the community in their various sections.
(Note - This blog was written by the refugee Project Facilitator for this project. As English is not his first language, there may be some minor grammatical errors in his writing. Care was taken to clarify any passages that were confusing, while leaving most of the blog untouched in order to preserve his original tone.)
There were different activities (poems, dramas and songs) performed by the youth group of both Kala and Mwange refugee camps. In all of these performances, the youth tried to encourage people in the community to think of being repatriated. One repeated message was; “there is no better place like home”. “It is better to be repatriated in order to go and build one’s country”. “The one who forgets his home land for another place is stupid”. The vivid example shown to the community on that day was of the Immigrants and refugees in South Africa about how they were chased, harassed and killed (see xenophobia).
Though we are living in the country of asylum, Zambia we still remember our culture, style of dressing, dancing because it is educative to our future generation and this can also be a blend of culture with our host community.
(Note - This blog was written by the refugee Project Facilitator for this project. As English is not his first language, there may be some minor grammatical errors in his writing. Care was taken to clarify any passages that were confusing, while leaving most of the blog untouched in order to preserve his original tone.)
SummaryClasses under CDRC have continued. Participants are always eager to learn and know more about Congo, build their skills and talents through Business Economics and other related subject and courses taught at the centre. Repatriation has also continued though the convoy which had left last Thursday has returned since the ship was rescheduled when the convoy was already at the port. This trip has further been designed to be by road on 8th September.
I. Youth group activities (project) SummaryThese activities educate youth peer educators, equips them with information to educate other youth about repatriation process and what they can expect upon return to DRC. This is a good opportunity for youths to come together and discuss their fears, concerns, issues and hope regarding repatriation. Youths use the arts (poetry), dances, songs, theatre and so on… to express their feelings about repatriation and educate other youth. The youth performed on stated topics and the community was impressed with the education behind the performance. Some of the parents said that they were encouraged to go home through the sketches since these sketches removed fear in them and also give hope to all to return to their country which is their true home and heritage.
Up coming project activities and eventsYouth group would like to have a performance about repatriation and its effects in kala and the changes brought about in community during the repatriation process. Some families and marriages are breaking down as a result of repatriation. This happens when people within the family start to argue about which province they should be repatriated to. Who wants o be resettled or not. These youth performances help in family bonding, conflict resolution, non violence communication within families so that all people should be listened to and not impose ideas on others but resolve differences amicably.
II. REINTEGRATION (project)
SummaryThe purpose of this project is to provide the training to the refugees on how they can reintegrate in new community once they arrive in a new place especially back home in Congo especially after leaving home for a while, finding that those who never left the country took over plots and so on. It has empasis on looking at life anew and uniting with neighbours in Congo so that together people can rebuild their nation.
Substantial problems / issuesThe statistics has gone so low because the volonteers are weakening with sensitization. The volunteering spirit in kala camp is always limited and measured. The few staff (3) in the project need to work hard to sensitize within the community so that the classe can reagain it statistics. The other option could by hiring one person to be particularly sensitizing people in the community about these classes.
Up coming activitiesA new reintegration class will start soon since the old one just graduated
III. REPATRIATION INFORMATION SESSION (project)
SummaryIn repatriation information session, we are privileged to have the opportunity to teach a bigger number of people right from the departure centre. This is done to re emphasis on search for common ground , non violent communication for returnees so that when they return back home they can live in peace.
Up coming activities and eventsThere is a plan to have some kind of repatriation theatre in the community to give people more information on repatriation and unite.
(Note - This blog was written by Wakilongo, the refugee Project Facilitator for this project. As English is not his first language, there may be some minor grammatical errors in his writing. Care was taken to clarify any passages that were confusing, while leaving most of the blog untouched in order to preserve the Project Facilitator's original tone.)
The Kala refugee community working in different NGOs welcomed the initiatives of new programs launched in the Community Driven Repatriation Center (CDRC) about evening classes in community economics and enterprises. These evening classes attendants are congratulating FORGE for they did not have time to take part of those skills during daytime since they are working elsewhere. The repatriated refugees are very happy for they now know where they are going, what’s there, and what they’re supposed to do in order to become self sufficient in the country of origin; all these initiatives are skills taken under CDRC/FORGE programme; and the community prays for FORGE to continue with the same empowerment spirit towards refugees in general. In doing this FORGE is accomplishing its main mission, stipulates the Kala refugee community.
By Wakilongo
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