Democratic Republic of Congo

Tapori groups were set up in 1997 in Bukavu, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Today there are six groups in Bukavu, bringing together almost 1,000 children, plus other groups in the cities of Uvira and Goma and the village of Bunyakiri, all also in the east of the country. About 30 young people who were involved with Tapori as children have subsequently become Tapori co-ordinators. In 2005 a co-ordination team was put in place to encourage training, information-sharing and reciprocity between the different children’s groups.

With the support of adults the Tapori children develop mutual friendships through play, sports and cultural activities, and by reading the [Tapori Newsletter-http://www.tapori.org/site/The-Tapori-newsletter,495.html]. They take practical steps to help those of their friends who are in the greatest need (e.g. by helping to rebuild a shack, learning together, helping each other with domestic work). They visit children who are ex-soldiers or in prison, and they help to improve their neighbourhoods (e.g. by cleaning water pumps, repairing access paths, etc.). In a context of crisis and violence, all these initiatives by the children restore hope to their parents, and inspire them to take further action in their own turn. This helps to build peace in their areas.

Each year the different groups celebratethe World Day to Overcome Extreme Poverty on 17th October with numerous representatives from NGOs and local and regional authorities. In 2007 an exhibition of children’s silhouettes from all around the world was held in Bukavu to celebrate the unity of all Tapori children worldwide. This international campaign was inspired by the true story of Ono and René, two children from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

We’re children fighting to eradicate poverty

In the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, impacted by war and poverty, young group leaders from the Tapori Movement convey the message to children in their poor neighborhood that it’s great to be friends with other kids who don’t have any friends. These children support efforts their parents make, try to urge them to act together to promote peace in their neighborhoods. Some of them were able to give testimonials in the UN in Geneva, for the 20th anniversary of the Convention of the Rights of the Child.
This clip is part of the serie: "Unknown volunteers"created to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers (IYV+10)

Encouraged by children, families join forces

For almost a year, in the neighbourhood of Burhiba, in Bukavu, a dozen families decided to join their efforts in order to decide on a daily basis on their problems, their experiences, their efforts to fight poverty.
 
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Wherever men and women are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are violated.
To come together to ensure that these rights be respected is our solemn duty.

Joseph Wresinski